Italian Phrase
Fai la RCP se serve.
Meaning
‘Do CPR if it’s needed.’ The sentence gives a short, urgent instruction to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation only when the situation calls for it.
When to use
Use this phrase in emergency or first‑aid contexts, when you’re telling someone to start CPR only if the victim shows signs that require it, such as lack of breathing or pulse.
✦Grammar Breakdown
FailaRCPseserve
Imperative of fare
Use the second‑person singular present indicative (fai) as the informal imperative of the verb fare, meaning ‘do’ or ‘perform’.
Definite article with abbreviations
Even though RCP is an abbreviation, it still takes the definite article la, just like a regular feminine noun.
Conditional clause with se + present
The phrase se serve uses the present indicative to express a condition that may become necessary, equivalent to ‘if needed/if it’s necessary’.
🗨In Conversation
C’è una persona incosciente, cosa devo fare?
There’s an unconscious person, what should I do?
Fai la RCP se serve.
Do CPR if it’s needed.
✕Common Mistakes
Fa la RCP se serve.
The imperative of fare for ‘you’ is fai, not fa.
Fai RCP se serve.
Even abbreviations need the article la in Italian.
Fai la RCP se serva.
The condition uses the present indicative (serve), not the subjunctive.
↔Alternatives
Esegui la RCP se necessario.
Perform CPR if necessary.
Pratica la RCP se è necessario.
Practice CPR if it’s necessary.
Fai la rianimazione cardiopolmonare se serve.
Do cardiopulmonary resuscitation if needed.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, the abbreviation RCP (Rianimazione Cardiopolmonare) is widely used in medical and first‑aid training. While the phrase is informal, it’s perfectly acceptable in urgent spoken contexts. Remember that Italian emergency services (112) encourage by‑standers to start CPR, so learning the phrase can be life‑saving.