To perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on an adult:
- Ensure the area is safe and then check the person for responsiveness. If unresponsive and not breathing normally, call emergency services (911 or 999).
- Lay the person on their back on a firm surface.
- Position yourself beside their chest. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest (lower half of the breastbone), place your other hand on top, and interlock your fingers.
- Using your body weight and keeping your arms straight, press down hard and fast, compressing the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- After 30 chest compressions, open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.
- Give 2 rescue breaths by pinching the nose shut, sealing your mouth over theirs, and blowing until you see the chest rise.
- Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the person starts breathing or help arrives. If you are not trained or confident in rescue breaths, perform hands-only CPR with compressions only.
For children and infants, the technique varies slightly, including using less force and sometimes using fingers for compressions instead of the whole hand. This procedure helps keep oxygenated blood flowing to vital organs until professional help takes over. It is critical to act quickly and keep performing CPR until emergency services arrive or the person recovers.
