Hands-Only CPR and AED Use

Take a Local Class

The Johnson County Ambulance Service and the Iowa City Fire Department work together to offer community CPR classes, both 1-hour Hands-only CPR (no card issued) and longer CPR/AED classes (AHS Heartsaver CPR card issued). Click here to see the latest schedule and to sign-up.

Learn Hands-Only CPR and AED Use On Your Own

Step 1:

Call 911 or ask someone else to call 911.

Step 2:

Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a familiar song that has 100 to 120 beats per minute.

Song examples include “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce featuring Jay-z, “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira, or “Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash. Prefer classical? You can also use the tempo from “Radetzky March” by Johann Strauss or “Phantom of the Opera” by Andrew Lloyd Weber.

Learn hands-only CPR in 90 seconds by watching the video below.

Step 3:

Use an AED. An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It’s a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

Learn how to use one in 90 seconds by watching the video below.