Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that's useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The American Heart Association recommends startingCPRwith hard and fast chest compressions. This hands-onlyCPRrecommendation applies to both untrained bystanders and first responders. If you're afraid to doCPRor unsure how to performCPRcorrectly, know that it's always better to try than to do nothing at all. The difference between doing something and doing nothing could be someone's life. Here's advice from the American Heart Association: Untrained.If you're not trained inCPRor worried about giving rescue breaths, then provide hands-onlyCPR. That means uninterrupted chest compressions of 100 to 120 a minute until paramedics arrive (described in more detail below). You don't need to try rescue breathing. Trained and ready to go.If you're well-trained and confident in your ability, check to see if there is a pulse and breathing. If there is no pulse or breathing within 10 seconds, begin chest compressions. StartCPRwith 30 chest compressions before giving two rescue breaths. Trained but rusty.If you've previously receivedCPRtraining but you're not confident in your abilities, then just do chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 a minute (details described below).