CPR at Home: 4 Essential Steps to Save a Life When Every Second Counts

Emergencies don’t just happen in hospitals—they often happen at home, where every second matters and trained help isn’t immediately available. That’s why learning how to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) in a home setting is one of the most important skills you can have.

At One Love CPR, we’ve seen firsthand how empowered individuals can make a difference. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, spouse, or roommate, knowing how to act in a cardiac emergency can save the life of someone you love.

Here’s a breakdown of the 4 essential steps to performing CPR at home and why certification with One Love CPR can make you more confident and effective in these critical moments.

Step 1: Check Responsiveness and Call for Help

If you find someone unresponsive at home:

  • Tap their shoulders and shout, “Are you okay?”
  • If there’s no response, call 911 immediately or ask someone else to do so.
  • If an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available, have someone retrieve it while you begin CPR.

Don’t waste precious time waiting—start assessing and acting right away.

Step 2: Open the Airway

Lay the person on a firm, flat surface. Then:

  • Tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway.
  • Check for normal breathing (not gasping).
  • Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.

If there’s no breathing or only gasping, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Start Chest Compressions

Chest compressions are the heart of CPR. Here’s how to do them effectively:

  • Place your hands (one on top of the other) on the center of the chest.
  • Push hard and fast at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
  • Compress the chest at least 2 inches deep for adults and allow full recoil between compressions.

If trained and able, alternate 30 compressions with 2 rescue breaths. If not trained in breaths, continue hands-only CPR until help arrives.

Step 4: Continue Until Help Arrives or the Person Responds

Keep going—don’t stop CPR unless:

  • The person begins breathing on their own.
  • Professional medical responders take over.
  • You are physically unable to continue.

It may feel exhausting, but your actions are keeping vital oxygen flowing to the brain and organs. Persistence is key.

Why You Need Hands-On CPR Training

Reading steps online is a great start, but only hands-on training can prepare you to react effectively in the moment. At One Love CPR, we provide:

  • American Heart Association-certified CPR & First Aid courses.
  • Training for adults, children, and infants.
  • Expert instruction and real-world simulations.
  • Classes for healthcare providers, educators, parents, and individuals.
  • Convenient locations across New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.

Our goal is to help you feel calm and confident when it matters most.

Real Lives Are Saved at Home

Nearly 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home, according to the American Heart Association. That means your family member, friend, or child could be depending on your quick response.

By learning CPR through One Love CPR, you’re not only investing in your personal development—you’re protecting the lives of the people you care about most.

Get Certified with One Love CPR Today

Ready to become a life-saver from the comfort of your home? Sign up for a CPR certification course with One Love CPR and gain the hands-on skills you need to act fast in an emergency.

📍 Book a class near you
🌐 Visit us: www.onelovecpr.com

Be the reason someone survives—learn CPR today. 💖

 

All Reviews 5.0google logoGoogle 5.0
Overall Rating
5.0 93 reviews
Adrielia Lima Avatar
Adrielia Lima
5/02/2025
Coilin is amazing.
He was wonderful and helped me understand the course in my first language, Portuguese. Because when we are in moments of tension, we can’t think — we have to act.
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Rachel Avatar
Rachel
5/02/2025
Looking for a skills location? This is the spot! I had a great experience and highly recommend one love CPR. I’ve been a nurse for over 10 years and taken many a CPR course. Colin’s teaching method is tried & true and he did a fantastic job at stimulating a realistic environment. I did BLS part 1 online beforehand so I was dismissed early (after about an hour), but I enjoyed myself so much I’ll probably just sign up for the full 3-hr course next time I have to renew! Believe me, you could know nothing and walk out of there with the skills and confidence to save a life.
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octavia mercedes Avatar
octavia mercedes
5/02/2025
The best!! He taught me in English and Spanish. Recommend 100%
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Mabintou Samassi Avatar
Mabintou Samassi
5/02/2025
I'm really happy 😊 with today's class feel more confident of performing high quality CPR, the instructor really good, teaches as in real life situation make you understand all the steps.
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Barbara Vlachogiannis Avatar
Barbara Vlachogiannis
5/02/2025
Strongly recommend completing your course with Collin, very professional and knowledgeable leaving you feeling confident and ready to save lives :)
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Nyesha Fulmore Avatar
Nyesha Fulmore
4/27/2025
Haven’t done bls in a while but I actually pick up better skills on how to perform compression and at the speed. I would recommend this class and while be come back next month to renew my ACLS and to take my Initial PALS class.
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Kaydean Williams Avatar
Kaydean Williams
4/27/2025
As a RN working in skilled nursing for over 13 years, this by far is one of the most indept CPR courses I've ever taken. The CPR renewal is usually a quick walk through and not indepth, but like everything else in healthcare guidelines change and we need more than just a quick walk through. This was an amazing experience. Highly recommend 👌!!!!
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Sarah Kubikisha Avatar
Sarah Kubikisha
4/27/2025
Very good instructor
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Courtnie Beckford Avatar
Courtnie Beckford
4/26/2025
Oncology RN at St. Joseph’s University, I’ve been to One Love CPR three times now for initial and recertification and it has been a seamless process every time. The instructors have real world experience and update the course as well.
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Samantha Ang Avatar
Samantha Ang
4/26/2025
Medsurg RN of 3 years here! Thank you for the thorough and informative class, will be back for next times BLS renewal <3
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Myshema Crawford Avatar
Myshema Crawford
4/26/2025
Instructor Colin was very knowledgeable and professional. I definitely recommend the class for recertification and overall Certification of BLS.
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Sheila Casimir Avatar
Sheila Casimir
4/26/2025
A genuinely outstanding experience! Huge thanks to Colin for the thorough, hands-on CPR training. He made sure we truly understood the material, breaking everything down in a clear and approachable way. His practical approach and patience created a supportive learning environment that boosted our confidence and skills. Highly recommended for anyone looking to gain real, applicable CPR knowledge!
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Alla Acevedo Avatar
Alla Acevedo
4/26/2025
It was great! I was able to register to the course and take it the very next day. It was very efficient.
Instructor Colin is very knowledgeable and kind.
Will come back for my PALS
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Ashley Padin Avatar
Ashley Padin
4/26/2025
Colin did an outstanding job with my BLS class. He was very hands on and interacted with us the entire time. I will be recommending his classes!
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Destiny Armato Avatar
Destiny Armato
4/26/2025
Colin is very knowledgeable and thorough in his explanation of CPR/AED. He gives you real life scenarios and will make sure you understand how to perform in that situation. One Love CPR is the best place to get your CPR/AED training.
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