Is the Kiss of Life the Same as CPR?

You’ve probably heard the term “kiss of life” and wondered: is it the same as CPR? The short answer is no—the kiss of life (mouth-to-mouth breathing) is a big part of CPR, but it’s not all of it. CPR also includes chest compressions, which are just as important—if not more so. Let’s clear up the confusion, dive into the origins of the phrase, and explain exactly how CPR works to save lives.

Where Did the Kiss of Life Come From?

The term “kiss of life” became famous after a dramatic event in July 1967. Here’s the story:

• The Incident: Utility worker Randall Champion was shocked by a 2,400-volt line while working on a pole in Jacksonville, Florida. He was left dangling unconscious in his safety harness. His coworker, J.D. Thompson, climbed the pole and performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until Champion’s pulse returned.
• The Photo: A journalist captured the moment in a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph titled The Kiss of Life. The image turned mouth-to-mouth resuscitation into a global symbol of lifesaving.

How CPR Works: Keeping the Body Alive

While the photo emphasized mouth-to-mouth, CPR is about more than just breaths—it’s about keeping the heart pumping blood and oxygen to the brain and vital organs.

Think of the human body as a city with roads (blood vessels) that carry supplies (oxygen) to every building (organs). The heart is the delivery truck that keeps everything moving. When the heart stops, the deliveries grind to a halt. Without oxygen:

1. The Brain: Starts to suffer damage within 4–6 minutes. After 10 minutes, the damage is often irreversible.
2. The Heart: Loses its ability to restart if oxygen isn’t circulating.
3. Organs: Begin to shut down, leading to complete system failure.

CPR steps in as a temporary delivery truck, manually keeping oxygen and blood flowing to delay damage until professional help arrives.

How to Perform CPR (Including the Kiss of Life)

CPR involves two key actions: chest compressions and rescue breaths (aka the kiss of life). Here’s how to do each:

1. Chest Compressions

• Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person’s chest, on the lower half of their breastbone. Put your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
• Push hard and fast, aiming for a depth of 5–6 cm and a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute (think of the beat to “Stayin’ Alive”).
• Let the chest fully recoil between compressions to allow blood to flow back into the heart.

2. Rescue Breaths (The Kiss of Life)

• Tilt the person’s head back and lift their chin to open the airway.
• Pinch their nose shut and seal your lips around their mouth.
• Blow steadily into their mouth for about 1 second, watching for the chest to rise.
• If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again. Give 2 breaths after every 30 compressions.

Why Both Chest Compressions and Breaths Matter

CPR works because chest compressions pump blood to the brain and other vital organs, while rescue breaths provide fresh oxygen to keep that blood useful. Without breaths, the body’s oxygen stores will eventually run out. Without compressions, the blood won’t move at all. Together, they buy precious time until medical help arrives.

What Happens Without CPR?

Without CPR, the body’s systems start to shut down rapidly:

• The brain suffers first, losing function within minutes.
• The heart becomes harder to restart the longer it’s deprived of oxygen.
• Organs like the kidneys and liver stop working, causing systemic failure.

CPR interrupts this cycle, delaying damage and increasing the chances of survival.

Why You Should Learn CPR

Knowing CPR means you’ll be ready to act when it matters most. In our courses, we teach you how to:

• Perform chest compressions with the right depth and rhythm.
• Deliver effective rescue breaths (the kiss of life).
• Recognize when to start CPR—and when to stop.

If you’re in Toowoomba or Wollongong, join one of our first aid courses. You’ll practice hands-on CPR techniques and gain the confidence to save a life.

Because when someone’s life is on the line, knowing CPR can make all the difference. Let’s get you ready to be a lifesaver!

Jack Majlinger

Hey there! I’ve been a first aider since 2012, eventually becoming a first aid trainer and writer. When I’m not writing first aid articles you can find me birding and listening to jangle pop.