At Dells-Delton EMS, we are committed to equipping our community—local families, businesses, and visitors in the Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton area—with the knowledge to save lives. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical, lifesaving technique used when someone’s breathing or heartbeat stops due to cardiac arrest, drowning, choking, or other emergencies.
Prompt CPR can double or triple survival chances by keeping oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and vital organs until advanced care arrives. In our high-tourism region with significant pediatric volume, knowing CPR is especially valuable for protecting families and loved ones.
It’s far better to act than to do nothing. Even if you’re untrained, starting hands-only CPR can make the difference.
Updated 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines
Dells-Delton EMS follows the latest 2025 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. These emphasize high-quality compressions, minimal interruptions, and rapid response.
For Untrained Bystanders
Perform Hands-Only CPR: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute until help arrives or an AED is ready. No rescue breaths are required.
For Trained Rescuers
Use the C-A-B sequence: Compressions → Airway → Breathing.
Adult CPR (Puberty and Older)
- Ensure scene safety and check responsiveness (“Are you OK?”).
- Call 911 and retrieve an AED if available.
- Compressions: Place heels of hands on the center of the chest (between nipples). Compress at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep at 100–120/min. Allow full chest recoil.
- Airway: Head-tilt/chin-lift. Check for normal breathing (≤10 seconds).
- Breathing: Give 2 rescue breaths (1 second each, visible chest rise) after every 30 compressions.
- Continue cycles. Use AED as soon as available—follow prompts, resume CPR immediately after shocks.
Child CPR (Age 1 to Puberty) Similar to adults, but:
- Use one or two hands for compressions (~2 inches or 1/3 chest depth).
- Deliver gentler breaths.
- If alone, perform ~2 minutes (5 cycles) of CPR before calling 911.
- Prefer pediatric AED pads.
Infant CPR (Under 1 Year)
- Most arrests stem from breathing issues—address choking first if suspected.
- Use two fingers or the heel of your hand just below the nipple line for ~1.5-inch (4 cm) compressions.
- Cover mouth and nose for gentle rescue breaths.
- If alone, perform ~2 minutes of CPR before calling 911.
High-Quality CPR Tips (All Ages):
- Rate: 100–120 compressions per minute.
- Depth: Appropriate for age (full recoil, minimal interruptions <10 seconds).
- Avoid excessive ventilations.
AED Use: Automated external defibrillators are simple to use and provide voice instructions. Apply pads, follow prompts, and resume CPR right after any shock.
Our Commitment to Your Safety
Dells-Delton EMS provides advanced prehospital care, including rapid response, point-of-care ultrasound, and specialized pediatric training to serve our tourism-heavy community effectively. We actively promote public education through programs like Stop the Bleed and encourage everyone to become CPR/AED certified.
Take Action Today:
- Enroll in a local CPR/AED training course (we provide those!)
- Share this page with family and friends.
- Support our initiatives to enhance emergency preparedness in the Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton area.
In an emergency, call 911 immediately. Our team is here 24/7, working alongside local fire departments and partners to protect the Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton area.
Last updated: June 2026 – Based on 2025 AHA Guidelines