CPR Basics: What Families Should Know in the First Few Minutes
A simple family-first guide to checking responsiveness, calling emergency services, starting chest compressions, and using an AED when available.
Published 5 June 2026
CPR Basics: What Families Should Know in the First Few Minutes
Published 5 June 2026
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In an emergency, call AIVA or your local emergency number immediately.
6 min
Practical emergency guidance
Emergency & First Aid Response
Article category
5 June 2026
Published for families
AIVA
Reviewed for clarity
When someone collapses and is not breathing normally, fast action matters. CPR helps keep blood moving to the brain and heart until trained help arrives.
Check and Call
Tap the person firmly and ask if they can hear you. If there is no response and breathing is absent or abnormal, call emergency services immediately and put the phone on speaker.
Start Chest Compressions
Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, place the other hand on top, keep your elbows straight, and push hard and fast. Let the chest rise fully between compressions.
Use an AED if Available
If an automated external defibrillator is nearby, switch it on and follow the voice prompts. Continue CPR until the AED tells you to pause or the ambulance team takes over.
Written by AIVA Team
AIVA Healthcare editorial team
AIVA Healthcare publishes practical emergency-care, ambulance, patient-safety, and preparedness guides for families and caregivers.
Editorial standards
Reviewed for practical emergency use
Clear first-response steps
Medical disclaimer included
Emergency-first language
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