In an emergency situation, CPR – or cardiopulmonary resuscitation – can be a truly lifesaving technique. CPR is an important part of any first aid course, and it is something that everyone should know how to do. Why? Because CPR can provide the means to keep a person alive long enough to receive professional medical attention. The longer that a human being goes without oxygen, the more likely severe damage – and even death – can occur. Knowing CPR – and performing it properly – can mean the difference between life and death. Considering how relatively simple performing CPR is, there is no good reason why you shouldn’t learn how to do it yourself.