Learn How to Perform CPR

Now, more than ever, it’s time to learn CPR and be ready to help save a life.

As a nation, amongst everything that’s going on, bystander CPR rates haven’t changed. That means when we are hearing about social distancing, R rates and face masks we’re still a nation that want to help. We are still a nation that care. We are still a nation that see the person. When someone needs CPR you’re still helping, you’re still caring and you’re still making an incredible difference. 

The guidance on what to do has changed slightly and we wanted to keep you up-to-date. During the current pandemic, the Resuscitation Council UK advises that you loosely place a cloth or towel over the nose and mouth of the collapsed person and to do chest compressions only.

You can read more about it here or simply take the following steps!
Are you a young person? Check out our page for kid researchers

Follow the steps below to get CPR ready!

Step 1: Watch the videos below to learn about CPR

Learn with the Resuscitation Council UK:

Learn CPR with The British Heart Foundation and Vinnie Jones:

Review the steps of CPR

Feeling CPR ready yet? Let’s review the steps of CPR one more time before you start practicing your skills.

Step 2: Practice Your New Skills

Get familiar with the motions and practice your chest compressions on a cushion or pillow.

• Place your hands on the centre of your cushion’s ‘chest’ and interlock your fingers.
• Keep your arms straight as you push down hard and fast. For adults in cardiac arrest, chest compressions should be about 5-6 cm deep.
• Let your hands come back up between compressions but do not take your hands off the chest.
• Do this at a rate of 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute – about 2 per second. Get inspired by this Spotify playlist to find your CPR anthem!

Check out Gareth below who has placed a pillow inside one of our CPR bags to practice chest compressions on. His friend is watching carefully before he gives it a go himself. Good technique 👏👏

[Image description: the GIF is of a man keeling down performing CPR compression’s on a pillow inside a bag, being watched by a friend]

Step 3: What Next?

Join the 640,790 people who’ve learnt how to save a life. Let us know what steps you will take to help your friends and family stay CPR ready.

I will…

Step 4: Get a free CPR bag & show us what you’ve got!

Interested in having your own Save a Life for Scotland CPR bag (see design below)? Stuff a pillow, cushion or some clothes into the CPR bag to practice your chest compressions. Then use the bag to share your skills with others in your family or bubble. Don’t forget to send us a video or tag us on social media (@SaveaLifeScot) to show us your CPR skills!

To apply for a free bag, please send an email to hello@savealife.scot with your name and mailing address. Please note we have a limited supply of bags so apply today before we run out!