If the person is unresponsive, not breathing normally, or you are unsure — call your local emergency number NOW, before anything else.
CPR — Adult
CPR is an emergency action for an adult who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Starting help right away can keep blood moving to the brain and heart until emergency services or an AED arrives.
Call emergency services immediately if…
- The person is unresponsive and does not wake when you shout and tap their shoulders.
- The person is not breathing or is only gasping.
- The person collapses suddenly and does not respond.
- An AED is needed or available, or you are alone with the person.
- 1
Call the local emergency number
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call the local emergency number immediately or tell someone nearby to call now. Put the phone on speaker if you can so the dispatcher can guide you while you help. Ask someone to bring an AED if one is nearby.
- 2
Check response and breathing
Tap the person's shoulders and shout to see if they respond. Look for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Occasional gasps are not normal breathing.
- 3
Place them on a firm surface
Lay the person flat on their back on the floor or another firm surface. Kneel beside their chest. If they are face down, turn them onto their back carefully.
- 4
Start chest compressions
Put the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone, and place your other hand on top. Keep your arms straight and shoulders over your hands. Push hard and fast, then let the chest come all the way back up after each push.
- 5
Keep a steady rhythm
Give compressions at a steady fast pace, about 100 to 120 pushes a minute. Push down about 5 to 6 cm, or about 2 inches, in an average adult. Try to interrupt compressions as little as possible.
- 6
Add rescue breaths if trained
If you have been trained and are willing, give 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Tilt the head back, lift the chin, pinch the nose, seal your mouth over theirs, and give 2 breaths that make the chest rise. If you are not trained or do not want to give breaths, continue hands-only CPR.
- 7
Use the AED as soon as it arrives
Turn on the AED and follow the voice or picture prompts. Attach the pads to the bare chest as shown on the pads. Stop touching the person only when the AED tells you to, then restart CPR right after any shock or if no shock is advised.
- 8
Continue until help takes over
Keep doing CPR until the person starts breathing normally, an AED or emergency team takes over, or you are too exhausted to continue safely. If the person begins breathing normally but stays unresponsive, place them on their side and watch their breathing closely.
Do NOT
- Do not delay calling the local emergency number first in a life-threatening situation.
- Do not stop because the person gasps; gasping is not normal breathing.
- Do not place your hands on the ribs or upper belly instead of the center of the chest.
- Do not lean on the chest between compressions; let it fully rise each time.
- Do not pause compressions for long unless the AED tells you to or the person clearly starts breathing normally.
Afterwards
If the person starts breathing normally, place them on their side if there is no concern about major injury, and keep watching their breathing until emergency help arrives. Stay with them, keep them warm, and be ready to restart CPR if breathing stops again.
Sources
- [1]CPR Steps — American Red Cross
- [2]Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) — NHS
- [3]Basic Life Support — European Resuscitation Council
Printed from HealthPulse.cc — first-aid education only, not a substitute for training or professional emergency care. Always call your local emergency number first.
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