The Life-Saving Power of CPR: Why Everyone Should Learn It

By Eliza Pierko, MD, Sports Medicine

Knowing CPR can mean the difference between life and death in a cardiac emergency. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical skill that anyone — not just health care professionals — can learn and perform. When cardiac arrest occurs, every second counts.

“You don’t have to be a doctor, nurse, or paramedic to save a life. When you have the skills and the confidence to act, you can truly make a difference," says Dr. Eliza Pierko, a sports medicine physician at Loyola Medicine.

How CPR saves lives

There is a gap of time between a cardiac arrest incident and medical staff arriving on site. How you respond during that gap can literally make the difference between life and death. In the American Heart Association's Chain of Survival, CPR is the first step the public should take after calling 911 and alerting authorities.

If the heart stops beating, blood flow to the rest of the body stops. Performing CPR keeps blood flow active, creating a higher chance for a successful resuscitation. Without the flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood, permanent brain damage begins after only four minutes. Death can occur four to six minutes after that.

People who immediately start performing CPR may double or even triple the chances of survival for someone experiencing cardiac arrest.

When is CPR necessary?

CPR should only be performed if someone is experiencing cardiac arrest. However, there can be some confusion over the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack. While both are serious medical emergencies, they are not the same.

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating whereas a heart attack is caused when blood flow to the heart is blocked. If a person is experiencing the following symptoms, they are most likely suffering from cardiac arrest:

• Collapse suddenly and lose consciousness
• Are not breathing, their breathing is ineffective or they are gasping for air
• Do not respond to shouting, shaking, or sternal rub
• Do not have a pulse or have a very weak one

“When you’re performing CPR, you’re giving someone a chance at life. Don’t worry about doing it perfectly—just start. Even imperfect CPR is better than none," says Dr. Pierko.

Types of CPR: Compression-only vs. rescue breaths

When CPR training begins, the trainee is introduced to two forms of CPR: compression-only and compression with rescue breaths.

Compression-only CPR: With this technique, the cardiac arrest victim is given fast and hard chest compressions without breaths in the mouth. These compressions push remaining oxygen through the body and are just as effective as conventional CPR with breaths if performed immediately.

Compression with rescue breaths: This technique usually requires in-depth training and is often necessary for those who work in a medical field. Alternating breaths and chest compressions provide additional oxygen compared to compressions alone.

How to receive CPR training

Learning CPR is easier and more accessible than ever, with multiple avenues available for training. While online courses provide a solid foundation in CPR techniques, hands-on training is essential for building confidence and mastering the physical aspects of chest compressions and rescue breaths. Organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross offer accredited CPR courses across the U.S. While certifications are not required for the average person to perform CPR, these organizations provide comprehensive training programs that teach not only technique but also best practices for recognizing and responding to cardiac emergencies.

For those interested in learning CPR, several options are available:

• In-person training: Many AHA and Red Cross locations offer in-person CPR certification courses, which include practical, hands-on training with dummies. These courses typically cover both compression-only CPR and full CPR with rescue breaths.
• Blended learning: This option combines online coursework with in-person sessions, allowing individuals to learn the basics at their own pace before practicing with an instructor.
• Community programs: In many cities, local health departments, hospitals, and fire departments offer free or low-cost CPR training sessions to the public. For example, Chicago’s City Health Department provides access to courses designed for disaster readiness that include CPR training.
• Workplace or school training: Many employers and educational institutions incorporate CPR certification into their health and safety programs, allowing employees and students to train in convenient, familiar settings.

CPR training programs often cover the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) as well. Modern AEDs guide users with clear voice prompts, making them easy to use even for those with minimal training. Familiarizing yourself with an AED during a training session can be beneficial, as research shows that combining CPR with AED use can significantly improve survival rates.

How to practice high-quality CPR at home

While formal CPR training is the best way to learn high-quality CPR, practicing at home can help reinforce the skills learned in class and keep techniques fresh. There are simple and affordable ways to maintain your CPR skills between formal training sessions, even without professional equipment.

• Use household items: Items like pillows or firm cushions provides a surface that somewhat simulates the resistance needed for chest compressions. Practicing on these helps accustom you with the depth and pressure required for effective compressions.
• Practicing with dolls or toys for children’s CPR: For those interested in learning CPR for infants and children, practicing on larger dolls can be useful. This allows you to practice gentle compressions, which require different techniques and strength levels than adult CPR.
• Work on timing and recoil: Practicing the rhythm and ensuring proper recoil (allowing the chest to return to its original position between compressions) are the cornerstones of high-quality CPR. A standard tempo to follow is 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

Some airports, event centers, and public facilities have practice dummies and AED stations available for public use. For example, Chicago’s McCormick Center often offer training stations where you can practice compression-only CPR with simple instructions.

Many health organizations also host free workshops that offer practice sessions on CPR mannequins, reinforcing technique and rhythm without requiring the purchase of any equipment. While there is no consensus about how quickly CPR skills degrade, the general recommendation is to frequently practice at home and receive formal training once per year.

“High-quality CPR is essential, but it doesn’t require certification. Hands-only CPR is often all you need to save a life in an emergency," says Dr. Pierko.

How a Loyola doctor saved a life

Performing CPR can be intimidating, especially if it's your first time stepping in to help during a crisis. Yet, as Dr. Pierko’s experience illustrates, taking immediate action in a cardiac emergency can be life-saving. While running a marathon in Berlin, Dr. Pierko noticed a fellow runner collapse around Mile 21. She quickly assessed his condition, confirming that he was unresponsive and not breathing. Acting without hesitation, Dr. Pierko began chest compressions and was soon joined by other medical personnel from the crowd. Together, they performed CPR until emergency services arrived with a defibrillator, which ultimately restored the runner’s heartbeat.

Loyola Medicine empowers all of our colleagues to participate in CPR training every three months, keeping their skills sharp and up-to-date. This regular, high-quality training helps health care providers respond confidently in cardiac emergencies, aligning with Loyola’s commitment to exceptional patient care and safety.

Remember, you don’t need to be a health care professional to help in an emergency. CPR training equips you with the confidence to act, even if you’re unsure of every detail. By learning these skills and being willing to act, you too can be prepared to save a life when it matters most.

Dr. Eliza Pierko is a sports and internal medicine physician at Loyola Medicine, dedicated to patient care of active individuals and community health. She earned her medical degree from the Medical University of Bialystok. She then completed her residency at Presence Saint Joseph Hospital and sports medicine fellowship at MacNeal Hospital. Her commitment to making a difference extends beyond the clinic, as shown in her quick response to provide life-saving CPR during a recent marathon.

Book an appointment today to see Dr. Pierko or another Loyola specialist by self-scheduling an in-person or virtual appointment using myLoyola.