Essential terms and concepts for understanding CPR, First Aid, and AHA-aligned emergency response
A portable medical device used to deliver an electric shock to the heart during cardiac arrest. AEDs are designed to be user-friendly and are commonly found in public spaces, workplaces, and schools. They analyze the heart's rhythm and deliver a therapeutic electric shock if needed to restore a normal heartbeat.
Related: Defibrillation, Cardiac Arrest, CPR
A leading nonprofit organization dedicated to building healthier lives free from cardiovascular disease and stroke. The AHA develops evidence-based guidelines for CPR and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) that are recognized worldwide as the gold standard for emergency response training. Their guidelines are updated regularly based on the latest scientific research.
Related: ECC, BLS, Guidelines
Emergency techniques and care provided to someone experiencing cardiac or respiratory arrest before professional medical help arrives. BLS includes chest compressions, rescue breaths, AED use, and relief of choking. Crisis Ready Solutions' training programs are certified in BLS techniques following AHA guidelines.
Related: CPR, AED, Rescue Breaths
A life-threatening emergency in which the heart stops beating effectively, preventing blood from circulating to the brain and other vital organs. Unlike a heart attack (which is a circulation problem), cardiac arrest is when the heart completely stops or beats ineffectively. Immediate CPR and AED use are critical to survival. Time is essential—brain damage can occur within minutes.
Related: CPR, AED, Sudden Cardiac Death
An emergency lifesaving procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths (or hands-only compressions) to manually pump oxygenated blood to the brain and heart during cardiac arrest. CPR should be started immediately and continued until professional medical help arrives or signs of life return. The technique involves pushing hard and fast on the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, following AHA guidelines.
Related: Chest Compressions, Rescue Breaths, Hands-Only CPR
CPR performed using continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths. Research shows this method is effective for adults in cardiac arrest, especially for untrained bystanders or those uncomfortable providing rescue breaths. The AHA recommends hands-only CPR for adults, maintaining the same compression rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. This simplified approach removes barriers to people starting CPR immediately.
Related: CPR, Chest Compressions, Rescue Breaths
A comprehensive system of coordinated care for patients with life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies, including cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke. ECC integrates public access defibrillation (AED availability), dispatcher instructions, bystander CPR, and professional emergency medical services. Crisis Ready Solutions training aligns with AHA's ECC guidelines to ensure participants understand their role in this integrated system.
Related: AHA, BLS, CPR, AED
An international training organization authorized to deliver CPR and First Aid certification programs aligned with AHA guidelines and standards. HSI certification represents training that meets rigorous international quality and safety standards. Crisis Ready Solutions is HSI certified, ensuring that participants receive training recognized globally and endorsed by the American Heart Association's evidence-based protocols.
Related: AHA, Certification, Training Standards
Artificial ventilation delivered to an unconscious, non-breathing patient during CPR. Rescue breaths supply oxygen directly to the lungs, while chest compressions circulate that oxygenated blood. In traditional CPR, the cycle is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. The AHA now emphasizes hands-only CPR for untrained bystanders, as any CPR (with or without breaths) is better than no CPR at all.
Related: CPR, Hands-Only CPR, Airway Management
The act of pushing hard and fast on a person's chest during cardiac arrest to manually circulate blood to vital organs. Proper chest compressions should reach a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) in adults and occur at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. The quality and consistency of chest compressions are critical factors in survival from cardiac arrest. Following AHA guidelines ensures maximum effectiveness.
Related: CPR, Cardiac Arrest, Hands-Only CPR
The delivery of an electrical shock by an AED to treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). The shock temporarily stops all electrical activity in the heart, allowing the heart's natural pacemaker to restore a normal rhythm. When combined with immediate bystander CPR, early defibrillation significantly improves survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest. This is why AED access and CPR training are critical components of the chain of survival.
Related: AED, CPR, Cardiac Arrest
A safe body position for an unconscious person who is breathing and has a pulse. The recovery position involves placing the person on their side with the head tilted back to keep the airway open, preventing choking if the person vomits. This position promotes circulation and breathing while waiting for professional medical help. Learning the proper recovery position is an essential component of First Aid and CPR training to ensure continued care after initial resuscitation efforts.
Related: CPR, First Aid, Airway Management