Adult CPR

Unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally

1CHECK

Make sure the scene is safe. Tap the shoulder and shout. Look for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.

2CALL

Call emergency services (911) or have someone call, and send for an AED.

3COMPRESS

Heel of one hand on the centre of the chest, other hand on top. Push hard and fast: at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep, 100 to 120 per minute. Let the chest fully recoil.

4BREATHE

After 30 compressions, open the airway (head tilt, chin lift) and give 2 breaths of about 1 second each, watching the chest rise.

5REPEAT

Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths. Switch rescuers every 2 minutes if you can.

6AED

As soon as the AED arrives, turn it on and follow the prompts. Resume compressions immediately after any shock.

Remember

If you cannot give breaths, do continuous chest compressions.
Do not stop until EMS takes over, the person starts breathing normally, or you are too exhausted to continue.

Source: MedlinePlus: CPR (adult) (public domain). Follow your local protocols and current guidelines; this guide is a memory aid for trained people, not a substitute for training.

Practise it with a virtual patient

More guides

UUsing an AEDAutomated external defibrillator, adult CChoking, adult or child over 1Severe airway obstruction: cannot speak, cough or breathe IInfant CPRUnder 1 year, unresponsive and not breathing normally SSevere bleedingLife-threatening external bleeding from a limb or wound RRecovery positionUnresponsive but breathing normally, no suspected spinal injury AAnaphylaxisSevere allergic reaction: hives with breathing or circulation problems SStroke: act FASTSudden neurological symptoms

Rehearse it under the clock

The app turns each guide into a timed case with a virtual patient and a scored debrief. Free to start, installs on your phone.

Open the app