If you've never taken a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (better known as CPR), these simple instructions could help you save a life. If you have taken a CPR course, refresh your skills with this guie from the American Heart Association.
A: Airway. If the person is not responsive, call 911 first. If there are no head or neck injuries, gently tilt the head back by lifting the chin with one hand and pushing down on the forehead with the other.
B: Breaths. If the person is not breathing normally, give two rescue breaths. Keep the head tilted back, pinch the nose closed, and place your mouth around their mouth. Blow two slow, full breaths (about two seconds each), while watching to see that the chest rises with each breath.
After giving two breaths, check for signs of circulation such as breathing, coughing, movement, or responsiveness to gentle shaking. Place your ear near the mouth to listen for breathing.
C: Chest compressions. If no circulation is detected, begin chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest (between the nipples), with the heel of the second hand on top. Position your body directly over your hands, elbows locked. Perform 15 compressions, pushing the breastbone down about two inches with each thrust and allowing the chest to return to normal between compressions. Use the full weight of your body.
Repeat the procedure three times.