Emergencies can happen anywhere, even while you’re on the road. If someone in your vehicle goes into cardiac arrest, your instinct might be to start CPR immediately—but is it safe or effective to do so in a moving vehicle? In this article, we’ll break down the best practices for performing CPR in a car and what you should do if a passenger experiences a medical emergency while traveling.
Can You Perform CPR in a Moving Vehicle?
The short answer is no, you should not perform CPR in a moving vehicle. CPR requires firm, stable ground for effective chest compressions. In a moving car:
- The seat and road movement make chest compressions ineffective. Proper CPR needs a hard, flat surface to allow full chest recoil.
- Your safety is at risk. The person performing CPR could be thrown around, leading to additional injuries.
- Distractions could cause an accident. A driver focusing on the emergency may lose control of the vehicle.
If someone in the car goes into cardiac arrest, the best response is to pull over immediately in a safe location and then begin CPR.
What to Do in a Road Emergency Requiring CPR
If someone becomes unresponsive and has no pulse, follow these steps:
Step 1: Safely Stop the Vehicle
- Signal and pull over to a safe location away from traffic.
- Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Step 2: Check for Responsiveness
- Tap the person and shout their name to check if they respond.
- Look for signs of breathing. If they are not breathing or only gasping, CPR is needed.
Step 3: Call 911 Immediately
- If there are multiple people in the car, ask someone to call 911 while you begin CPR.
- If you’re alone, put the call on speaker while you check for breathing and pulse.
Step 4: Move the Person to a Hard, Flat Surface
- If possible, gently move the individual out of the car and lay them on the ground.
- If removing them isn’t an option, recline the seat fully and try to perform compressions—but this is less effective than being on a solid surface.
Step 5: Begin High-Quality CPR
- Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Push hard and fast, at least 2 inches deep for adults.
- If trained, give rescue breaths in a 30:2 ratio (30 compressions, 2 breaths).
- If available, use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) as soon as possible.
Step 6: Continue CPR Until Help Arrives
- Keep performing compressions until emergency responders take over.
- If the person regains consciousness, monitor them closely until medical help arrives.
Related Blog Posts You May Find Helpful
- How Hard Should You Push During CPR? – Learn the correct compression depth for effective CPR.
- How To Give Breaths Properly during CPR – The steps to giving breaths during CPR
- Common CPR Myths That Could Cost a Life – Debunking misconceptions about performing CPR.
While you should never perform CPR in a moving vehicle, knowing when and how to act in a roadside emergency is crucial. Always pull over safely, call 911, and start CPR on a firm surface when necessary.
💡 Be prepared for any emergency! Take our free CPR course today and gain the skills that could save a life.
