Introduction

A medical emergency can happen at any workplace without warning. A person may suddenly collapse because of cardiac arrest, a serious medical condition, electrical shock, drowning, choking, or another emergency.

In such situations, the first few minutes can be extremely important.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is an emergency procedure used when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. CPR helps maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery until professional medical assistance arrives or the person shows signs of recovery.

Workplace CPR awareness is therefore an important part of emergency preparedness.

CPR does not replace professional medical treatment. It is an emergency response measure intended to help keep a person alive until trained medical assistance becomes available.

A good workplace emergency system should combine:

CPR awareness.
First-aid arrangements.
Emergency communication.
Emergency contact numbers.
Trained first-aiders.
Accessible first-aid equipment.
Ambulance/emergency medical support.
Emergency drills.
Clear responsibilities.

What is CPR?

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

It is an emergency procedure performed when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

CPR involves chest compressions to help circulate blood through the body. In some circumstances, trained rescuers may also provide rescue breaths.

The purpose of CPR is to maintain circulation and oxygen delivery until:

Professional medical help arrives.
An AED is available and used where appropriate.
The person shows signs of recovery.
The situation becomes unsafe for the rescuer.

CPR should ideally be performed by a person who has received appropriate training.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively.

When this happens:

The person becomes unresponsive.
Normal breathing stops or becomes abnormal.
The brain and other organs do not receive adequate oxygen.

Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack.

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked.

Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping effectively.

A heart attack can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest, but they are not the same condition.

Why CPR Awareness is Important in the Workplace

A workplace may have employees, contractors, visitors, drivers, and other persons present.

A medical emergency can occur:

In an office.
In a warehouse.
During loading/unloading.
During maintenance.
During electrical work.
During material handling.
During physical activity.
In a pantry.
In an outdoor area.

Employees who know how to recognize an emergency and activate the emergency response system can help reduce delays.

CPR and Workplace Emergency Response

A workplace CPR response should be part of a larger emergency process.

A typical sequence is:

Person Collapses

↓

Check Safety

↓

Check Responsiveness

↓

Check Breathing

↓

Call for Emergency Help

↓

Start CPR if Required

↓

Use AED if Available and Appropriate

↓

Continue Until Professional Help Takes Over or the Person Shows Signs of Recovery

This should be adapted to the organization's emergency procedure and the rescuer's training.

Step 1 – Check the Scene for Safety

Before approaching a collapsed person, the rescuer should consider whether the area is safe.

Possible workplace hazards include:

Electrical energy.
Fire.
Chemical leakage.
Moving vehicles.
Forklifts.
Falling objects.
Traffic.
Smoke.
Other dangerous conditions.

A rescuer should not become another casualty.

Scene safety comes first.

If the area is unsafe, appropriate emergency personnel should be contacted and the hazard should be controlled by trained personnel where possible.

Step 2 – Check Responsiveness

If the area is safe, check whether the person responds.

A trained rescuer can:

Speak loudly to the person.
Ask if they are okay.
Gently stimulate the person as appropriate.

If there is no response, treat the situation as a serious emergency.

Immediately call for help.

Step 3 – Check Breathing

Check whether the person is breathing normally.

A person who is unresponsive and not breathing normally requires immediate emergency action.

Occasional abnormal gasping should not be assumed to be normal breathing.

If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally:

Activate emergency medical assistance and begin CPR according to your training.

Step 4 – Call for Emergency Medical Assistance

Emergency medical assistance should be activated as quickly as possible.

A workplace emergency contact system should make the required information readily available.

The caller should communicate:

Workplace name.
Exact location.
Nature of emergency.
Number of affected persons.
Condition of the person if known.
Safe access point.
Contact person's telephone number.

A person should preferably be assigned to meet and guide emergency responders to the casualty when practical.

Step 5 – Start CPR

If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR should be started by a trained rescuer.

The most important component for a lay rescuer is high-quality chest compressions.

For adult CPR, commonly taught guidance includes:

Position the person on a firm, flat surface where possible.
Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest.
Place the other hand on top.
Keep arms appropriately positioned.
Compress the chest hard and fast.
Allow the chest to recoil between compressions.
Minimize interruptions.

For adult CPR, standard training commonly teaches a compression rate of approximately 100–120 compressions per minute and a depth of about 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches).

Training should be used to learn the correct hand position, depth, technique, and rescue-breath procedure.

CPR Ratio

For trained adult rescuers performing conventional CPR, a commonly taught compression-to-breath ratio is:

30 Chest Compressions: 2 Rescue Breaths

However, the exact procedure can depend on:

Rescuer training.
Age of the casualty.
Available equipment.
Workplace emergency procedure.
Current recognized first-aid/CPR guidance.

Untrained or unwilling rescuers may be directed to provide hands-only CPR for an adult cardiac-arrest victim while emergency medical assistance is activated.

Hands-Only CPR

Hands-only CPR means performing chest compressions without rescue breaths.

It can be particularly useful when:

The rescuer is not trained in rescue breathing.
The rescuer is unwilling to provide mouth-to-mouth ventilation.
Immediate assistance is required while waiting for professional help.

The rescuer should still activate emergency medical assistance and follow dispatcher instructions where available.

Rescue Breathing

Rescue breathing can provide ventilation during CPR.

However, it requires appropriate training.

A trained rescuer using rescue breaths should use the method taught during recognized CPR training.

Where a barrier device or other appropriate equipment is available, it may be used according to training.

Untrained employees should not attempt unfamiliar techniques during an emergency.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a device designed to analyze certain abnormal heart rhythms and, when appropriate, deliver an electrical shock.

AEDs can be extremely valuable in cardiac emergencies.

A typical emergency sequence may be:

Cardiac Arrest Suspected

↓

Call Emergency Services

↓

Start CPR

↓

Bring AED

↓

Switch On AED

↓

Follow AED Voice/Visual Instructions

↓

Apply Pads as Directed

↓

Allow AED to Analyze

↓

Do Not Touch During Analysis/Shock

↓

Deliver Shock if Advised

↓

Immediately Resume CPR When Instructed

The AED should always be used according to its instructions and the rescuer's training.

Why AED and CPR Work Together

CPR helps maintain blood circulation.

An AED may correct certain shockable cardiac rhythms.

Therefore:

CPR and early defibrillation can work together as important links in the chain of survival.

However, an AED does not replace CPR or professional medical care.

Chain of Survival

Emergency cardiac response is often described through a Chain of Survival.

Important links include:

Early recognition of cardiac arrest.
Rapid activation of emergency response.
Early CPR.
Early defibrillation when appropriate.
Advanced medical care.
Post-cardiac-arrest care.

The exact terminology may vary between organizations and current guidelines.

The important principle is that early action matters.

CPR in a Chemical Warehouse

Chemical warehouses may have additional hazards that must be considered before starting first aid.

Possible situations include:

Chemical exposure.
Electrical shock.
Fire.
Smoke inhalation.
Falls.
Material-handling incidents.
Forklift accidents.
Loading/unloading injuries.

The first aider should first ensure that the scene is reasonably safe.

For example, if a casualty is lying near a chemical spill, the rescuer should not immediately enter the contaminated area without appropriate protection and training.

Emergency responders should control hazardous conditions where required.

CPR After Electrical Shock

Electrical incidents require particular caution.

If a person may still be in contact with an energized electrical source:

Do not touch the person until the electrical hazard has been safely isolated.

The power source should be isolated by an appropriately authorized person where possible.

Once the area is safe, the casualty can be assessed and emergency medical assistance activated.

CPR may be required if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

CPR After a Chemical Incident

If a person collapses after chemical exposure:

Make the scene safe.
Avoid direct contact with the chemical.
Use appropriate PPE where required.
Raise the emergency alarm.
Contact emergency medical assistance.
Follow the applicable chemical emergency procedure.
Use SDS information where appropriate.
Move the casualty only when safe and appropriate.
Begin CPR if required and if the scene is safe.
Provide information about the chemical to emergency responders if known.

Chemical exposure procedures should be based on the specific substance and applicable SDS.

CPR and First-Aid Facilities

CPR awareness should be supported by appropriate workplace first-aid arrangements.

Depending on workplace needs, this may include:

First-aid box.
Trained first-aiders.
Emergency contact numbers.
Ambulance access.
Emergency communication.
AED where appropriate.
Emergency response plan.
First-aid signage.
Incident reporting system.

The first-aid arrangement should be based on the workplace's hazards, workforce, location, and applicable requirements.

Role of a Workplace First-Aider

A trained first-aider may be responsible for providing initial assistance until professional medical help arrives.

Possible responsibilities include:

Assessing the casualty.
Activating emergency assistance.
Providing first aid within training.
Performing CPR when required.
Using an AED when trained/authorized.
Monitoring the casualty.
Communicating with emergency responders.
Recording/reporting the incident according to workplace procedure.

A first-aider should work within the limits of their training.

CPR Training

CPR awareness training should ideally be provided by a competent and recognized training organization.

Training should include practical demonstration and hands-on practice where possible.

Important training topics may include:

Recognizing cardiac arrest.
Scene safety.
Checking responsiveness.
Checking breathing.
Calling emergency services.
Chest compressions.
Rescue breaths.
Hands-only CPR.
AED awareness.
Recovery position where applicable.
Special workplace hazards.
Emergency communication.

Practical training is particularly important because CPR technique is difficult to learn from written information alone.

CPR Training Refresher

CPR skills can decline when they are not practiced.

Organizations should therefore consider refresher training according to:

Training provider recommendations.
Applicable workplace requirements.
Internal competency requirements.
Recognized CPR guidance.

Employees should not assume that reading an article is equivalent to practical CPR certification.

CPR Awareness Poster

A workplace CPR awareness poster may include:

RECOGNIZE

Unresponsive + not breathing normally

↓

CALL

Activate emergency medical assistance

↓

CPR

Start chest compressions

↓

AED

Use AED if available and appropriate

↓

CONTINUE

Follow instructions until professional help takes over

The poster should not replace hands-on training.

CPR Awareness in the Warehouse

For a warehouse, CPR awareness can be incorporated into safety training for:

Warehouse employees.
Supervisors.
Fire marshals.
First-aiders.
Security personnel.
Loading/unloading personnel.
Office employees.

The training should be practical and relevant to actual workplace hazards.

Emergency Communication During CPR

One person should ideally focus on the casualty while another person:

Calls emergency medical services.
Brings the AED.
Brings the first-aid kit.
Guides the ambulance.
Controls nearby personnel.

This division of responsibilities can reduce delays.

A simple process is:

Casualty

→ First-Aider

→ Emergency Caller

→ AED / First-Aid Support

→ Ambulance

→ Professional Medical Care

CPR and Assembly Point

The assembly point is normally intended for evacuation and accountability, not as a substitute for immediate medical treatment.

If a person suffers cardiac arrest inside a workplace, CPR should generally begin at the safe location where the casualty is found rather than delaying treatment solely to move the person to an assembly point.

The emergency response team should manage evacuation and medical response according to the situation.

CPR Mock Drill

CPR awareness can be tested through a controlled first-aid/emergency drill.

Example Scenario

A worker suddenly collapses in the warehouse office area.

Expected Response

Person Collapses

↓

Check Scene Safety

↓

Check Responsiveness

↓

Check Breathing

↓

Raise Emergency Alert

↓

Call Medical Emergency Assistance

↓

Bring AED / First-Aid Equipment

↓

Start CPR if Required

↓

Use AED According to Instructions

↓

Continue Until Professional Help Arrives

↓

Handover to Medical Team

↓

Incident / Drill Review

The drill should be clearly identified as a training exercise so it is not mistaken for a real emergency.

CPR Drill Evaluation

After the drill, evaluate:

Was the emergency recognized quickly?
Was the scene checked for safety?
Was emergency assistance activated?
Did someone bring the AED if available?
Did the first aider know the CPR procedure?
Was communication clear?
Was access for emergency responders available?
Was the casualty area controlled?
Were responsibilities clear?
Were delays identified?
Were corrective actions recorded?

CPR HIRA Example

Activity

Emergency first-aid response to a collapsed person.

Hazard

Delayed recognition, delayed emergency notification, lack of trained personnel, or unsafe approach to casualty.

Possible Consequence

Delayed medical treatment, worsening of casualty condition, or injury to the rescuer.

Existing Controls

First-aid box.
Trained first-aider.
Emergency contact system.
Emergency Response Plan.
CPR awareness.
Emergency communication.

Additional Controls

CPR refresher training.
AED availability where appropriate.
Emergency drills.
Clear first-aid signage.
Emergency access arrangements.
Periodic review of first-aid facilities.

The actual risk rating should be determined according to the organization's approved HIRA methodology.

CPR Near Miss Example

Situation

During a first-aid drill, employees know that an emergency has occurred but are unsure who should bring the AED.

Potential Consequence

Delay in defibrillation during a real cardiac emergency.

Immediate Action

Assign a clear AED-responsibility role.

Root Cause

AED responsibility was not included in the emergency response arrangement.

Corrective Action

Update the emergency response procedure.

Preventive Action

Include AED responsibilities in CPR training and mock drills.

Common CPR Awareness Mistakes

1. Waiting Too Long

Delaying emergency action can reduce the chance of a positive outcome.

2. Not Calling for Help

CPR should be supported by professional medical assistance.

3. Ignoring Scene Safety

A rescuer can become another casualty.

4. Assuming Gasping is Normal Breathing

Abnormal gasping should not be treated as normal breathing in an unresponsive person.

5. Poor-Quality Compressions

Incorrect rate, depth, position, or excessive interruptions can reduce effectiveness.

6. Not Using an Available AED

When an AED is available and appropriate, it should be used according to its instructions and training.

7. No Practical Training

Reading about CPR is not the same as practicing CPR.

8. Moving the Casualty Unnecessarily

The casualty should not be moved unless necessary for safety or emergency response.

9. Ignoring Workplace Hazards

Chemical, electrical, fire, and vehicle hazards must be considered.

10. No Emergency Drill

Without practice, employees may not know their responsibilities.

How to Improve CPR Awareness at the Workplace

Step 1 – Identify Medical Emergency Risks

Consider the workplace hazards and possible medical emergencies.

Step 2 – Identify First-Aiders

Ensure appropriate employees receive recognized training.

Step 3 – Establish Emergency Contacts

Make medical emergency contacts easily accessible.

Step 4 – Assess AED Need

Evaluate whether an AED is appropriate for the workplace.

Step 5 – Provide CPR Training

Use competent training providers.

Step 6 – Display Awareness Material

Use clear CPR and emergency-response posters.

Step 7 – Conduct Mock Drills

Test the complete response process.

Step 8 – Review Response Time

Identify communication or equipment delays.

Step 9 – Maintain Equipment

Check first-aid and AED equipment as applicable.

Step 10 – Continually Improve

Update procedures based on training, drills, and incidents.

CPR Do's

Ensure the scene is safe.
Check responsiveness.
Check whether the person is breathing normally.
Activate emergency medical assistance quickly.
Start CPR when indicated and according to training.
Use an AED when available and appropriate.
Follow AED instructions.
Continue CPR until professional help takes over or circumstances require stopping.
Communicate clearly.
Stay within the limits of your training.

CPR Don'ts

Do not enter an unsafe area.
Do not touch a person who may still be connected to live electricity.
Do not delay calling emergency services unnecessarily.
Do not assume abnormal gasping is normal breathing.
Do not stop CPR unnecessarily.
Do not use an AED without following its instructions.
Do not perform unfamiliar procedures beyond your training.
Do not move a casualty unnecessarily.
Do not compromise your own safety.
Do not treat this article as a substitute for practical CPR training.

CPR Emergency Response Process

Person Collapses

↓

Check Scene Safety

↓

Check Responsiveness

↓

Check Normal Breathing

↓

Call Emergency Medical Assistance

↓

Start CPR if Required

↓

Bring AED if Available

↓

Follow AED Instructions

↓

Continue CPR

↓

Professional Medical Team Arrives

↓

Handover Casualty

↓

Incident Reporting

↓

Review & Corrective Action

CPR Awareness and ISO 45001

CPR awareness supports workplace emergency preparedness and first-aid arrangements.

An organization can connect CPR preparedness with:

Hazard identification.
Emergency preparedness.
First-aid arrangements.
Employee competency.
Training.
Emergency communication.
Mock drills.
Incident reporting.
Corrective action.
Continual improvement.

The exact first-aid and emergency requirements should be determined according to the organization's activities, workforce, location, applicable legal requirements, and management-system scope.

Practical Workplace Example

Consider a warehouse where an employee suddenly collapses while working in the office area.

The response may be:

A nearby employee notices the collapse.
The area is checked for immediate hazards.
The employee is checked for responsiveness and normal breathing.
Emergency medical assistance is activated.
A trained first-aider begins CPR if required.
Another employee brings the AED if available.
The AED is used according to its instructions.
Another person guides emergency medical responders to the location.
CPR continues until professional medical help takes over or other appropriate stopping conditions occur.
The incident is reported and reviewed.

This example shows why training, emergency contacts, first-aid facilities, and clear responsibilities must work together.

Personal Experience

From my experience in workplace safety, CPR awareness should not be treated as only a training topic. It should be connected with the complete emergency response system. Employees need to know how to raise an emergency, whom to call, where first-aid equipment is located, and who is trained to provide first aid. In a warehouse environment, additional hazards such as electrical equipment, forklifts, chemical materials, loading/unloading activities, and fire risks must also be considered before approaching a casualty. Regular practical training and emergency drills help employees respond more confidently when a real medical emergency occurs.

Key Learning

CPR can be critical during cardiac arrest.
Scene safety must come first.
An unresponsive person who is not breathing normally needs immediate emergency action.
Professional medical assistance should be activated quickly.
CPR should be performed according to appropriate training.
AEDs can support the response when available and appropriate.
Workplace hazards must be considered.
First-aiders should remain within their training limits.
Practical training is more effective than theory alone.
Emergency drills help identify response gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What does CPR stand for?

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Q2. When is CPR required?

CPR is generally required when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, indicating a possible cardiac arrest.

Q3. Should I call for emergency medical assistance before CPR?

Emergency assistance should be activated immediately. Where another person is present, one person can call for help while another starts CPR.

Q4. What is hands-only CPR?

Hands-only CPR involves chest compressions without rescue breaths and can be an option for untrained or unwilling rescuers assisting an adult cardiac-arrest victim.

Q5. What is an AED?

An AED is an Automated External Defibrillator that analyzes certain heart rhythms and can deliver a shock when indicated.

Q6. Can an untrained employee perform CPR?

An untrained person should follow emergency-dispatcher instructions where available. Basic CPR awareness is valuable, but practical training is strongly recommended.

Q7. Should CPR be performed on an unsafe chemical spill area?

No. The rescuer should not enter an unsafe area. The hazard should be controlled and appropriate emergency responders should be involved.

Q8. Is CPR training the same as first-aid training?

Not necessarily. CPR may be one component of a broader first-aid training program.

Q9. Should every workplace have an AED?

Not necessarily. AED provision depends on workplace risk, workforce, location, access to emergency medical services, applicable requirements, and organizational assessment.

Q10. Is reading a CPR article enough to learn CPR?

No. Practical CPR training is recommended because correct technique requires hands-on practice and feedback.

Conclusion

CPR awareness is an important part of workplace emergency preparedness.

When a person suffers cardiac arrest, early recognition, rapid emergency notification, CPR, and early defibrillation when appropriate can be critical links in the chain of survival.

A workplace CPR program should therefore include:

Trained first-aiders.
CPR awareness.
Emergency contact information.
First-aid facilities.
AED arrangements where appropriate.
Clear emergency responsibilities.
Emergency access.
Practical training.
Mock drills.
Incident review.

For warehouses and chemical workplaces, the rescuer must also consider:

Chemical exposure.
Electrical hazards.
Fire.
Forklift movement.
Loading/unloading activities.
Falling objects.
Other workplace hazards.

The most important principle is:

Protect yourself, recognize the emergency, activate professional help, and provide CPR according to your training.

Ultimately:

CPR awareness can turn an ordinary employee into the first link in the chain of survival during a workplace medical emergency.

However, written information should never replace practical CPR training from a competent, recognized provider.

Discussion

Does your workplace have trained first-aiders or an AED facility? Have you ever participated in a CPR or first-aid mock drill? Share your practical experience in the comments.

About the Author

Written by Mahesh Chand

Warehouse Safety Professional | Chemical Warehousing | Fire Safety | ISO 9001 & ISO 45001

Mahesh Chand has 12+ years of professional experience in chemical warehousing, industrial safety, warehouse operations, fire prevention, HIRA, risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and ISO management systems. Through Trading Hatke, he shares practical workplace safety knowledge, real industrial experience, and easy-to-understand safety guidance to help safety professionals, students, and organizations build safer workplaces.

📌 Follow Trading Hatke for more practical safety guides, warehouse management tips, and ISO best practices.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace hands-on CPR, first-aid, or AED training. CPR and emergency-response procedures should be performed according to current recognized guidance, appropriate training, workplace procedures, and the instructions of emergency medical professionals.

Pages

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – Step-by-Step Procedure & Basic Guidelines

Introduction

What is CPR?

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Heart Attack

Cardiac Arrest

Why CPR Awareness is Important in the Workplace

CPR and Workplace Emergency Response

Step 1 – Check the Scene for Safety

Step 2 – Check Responsiveness

Step 3 – Check Breathing

Step 4 – Call for Emergency Medical Assistance

Step 5 – Start CPR

CPR Ratio

Hands-Only CPR

Rescue Breathing

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Why AED and CPR Work Together

Chain of Survival

CPR in a Chemical Warehouse

CPR After Electrical Shock

CPR After a Chemical Incident

CPR and First-Aid Facilities

Role of a Workplace First-Aider

CPR Training

CPR Training Refresher

CPR Awareness Poster

CPR Awareness in the Warehouse

Emergency Communication During CPR

CPR and Assembly Point

CPR Mock Drill

Example Scenario

Expected Response

CPR Drill Evaluation

CPR HIRA Example

Activity

Hazard

Possible Consequence

Existing Controls

Additional Controls

CPR Near Miss Example

Situation

Potential Consequence

Immediate Action

Root Cause

Corrective Action

Preventive Action

Common CPR Awareness Mistakes

1. Waiting Too Long

2. Not Calling for Help

3. Ignoring Scene Safety

4. Assuming Gasping is Normal Breathing

5. Poor-Quality Compressions

6. Not Using an Available AED

7. No Practical Training

8. Moving the Casualty Unnecessarily

9. Ignoring Workplace Hazards

10. No Emergency Drill

How to Improve CPR Awareness at the Workplace

Step 1 – Identify Medical Emergency Risks

Step 2 – Identify First-Aiders

Step 3 – Establish Emergency Contacts

Step 4 – Assess AED Need

Step 5 – Provide CPR Training

Step 6 – Display Awareness Material

Step 7 – Conduct Mock Drills

Step 8 – Review Response Time

Step 9 – Maintain Equipment

Step 10 – Continually Improve

CPR Do's

CPR Don'ts

CPR Emergency Response Process

CPR Awareness and ISO 45001

Practical Workplace Example

Personal Experience

Key Learning

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What does CPR stand for?