Hypoxia is a condition in which the body's tissues do not receive enough oxygen to meet their metabolic needs. Because cells — especially in the brain and heart — depend on a constant oxygen supply, hypoxia can quickly cause organ dysfunction, permanent damage, or death if not corrected.

Causes include airway obstruction, inadequate breathing, low environmental oxygen, severe anemia, and impaired circulation. Hypoxia is one of the key reversible causes of cardiac arrest (the "H" in the Hs and Ts) that responders must identify and treat. Management focuses on opening and protecting the airway, delivering supplemental oxygen or ventilation, and restoring adequate circulation through CPR when needed.

CPR Certification Labs provides hands-on, American Heart Association–aligned CPR, BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification training to help providers master these life-saving skills.