This How To: was updated and corrected

by: Denise Malik, contributing writer

For six years, Chicago Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation instructor Jason Santeler has been giving advice to health care providers and parents alike. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation has existed since 1740 and with proper instruction, anyone can perform CPR and save lives.

“The first thing you want to do is make sure the scene is safe,” Santeler said. “[Make sure] you’re not getting into a situation where [you or the person you’re performing CPR on don’t get] hurt.”

According to Santeler, a person performing CPR must be aware of the victim’s health at all times.

“Check to see if [the person is] responsive, [and if he or she isn’t] always have someone call 911 immediately,” Santeler said. “Resuscitation only happens about 6 percent of the time. Therefore, help should be on the way.”

If you follow these steps and stay focused under pressure, you could have the tools you need to save a life.

1. Begin with 30 chest compressions. “People are always nervous to push hard enough on the person’s chest,” Santeler said.

2. Tilt the head back, open the airways up and give the person two breaths. Always allow the person in need to resuscitate. “Maybe something changed within the two minutes of CPR,” Santeler said. “Look out for a reaction.”

3. Repeat, with several seconds between chest compressions. You will want to do 5 sets of 30 compressions and 2 breaths before checking to see if the victim is breathing, Santeeler said. By the time the procedure is completed, an ambulance should have arrived, allowing the transition for a full recovery.