How to perform CPR on an adult

For the purposes of first aid and resuscitation, an adult is described as a person over the age of 18 years old. If you see an adult collapsed or unresponsive, you should follow these steps.

Step 1 – Assess any dangers to yourself and the casualty. Move items if necessary to make the area safe. If safe to approach the casualty, assess the casualty’s response levels by gently shaking the shoulders and shouting ‘’are you all right?’’ If there is no response, and the casualty does not move, speak, or open their eyes, you should shout for help.

Step 2 – To open the airway, place one hand on the casualty’s forehead and tilt the head back gently. Place your index and middle finger of your other hand onto the casualty’s chin and lift. This will lift the casualty’s tongue from the back of their airway. With the head tilt and chin lift maintained, assess the casualty for breathing.

Step 3 – Place your ear over the casualty’s mouth and nose and listen for breathing and feeling for breath on your cheek. At the same time look at the casualty’s chest and stomach to see if it is rising and falling. Do this for up to 10 seconds to assess breathing.

Step 1 – Ask a bystander to call 999/112. If you are alone, call 999/112 and put your phone on loud speaker so that you can talk to the operator while performing chest compressions.

Step 2 – The ambulance call handler will tell you where the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) is. If someone is with you, ask them to fetch it and bring it back. Do not leave the person to fetch an AED if you are on your own as the ambulance crew will have one when they arrive.

How do you perform chest compressions and give rescue breaths?

Step 1

To perform chest compressions, kneel by the casualty and put the heel of one hand in the centre of their chest. Place your other hand on top of the first. Interlock your fingers making sure they don’t touch the ribs. Keep your arms straight and lean over the casualty.

Step 2

Press down firmly to a depth of about 5–6 cm, then release the pressure, allowing the chest to fully recoil. Complete 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute. The beat of the song ‘Staying Alive’ can help you keep between this range. Following 30 chest compressions, give two rescue breaths if you are willing and able.

Step 3

To perform rescue breaths, open the airway as described above. Pinch the casualty’s nostrils closed using your finger and thumb. Gently pull down on the casualty’s chin to open their mouth. Seal your mouth over the casualty’s mouth and blow steadily for no more than 1 second, or until you see the chest rise.

Step 4

Repeat this twice to give two rescue breaths. If you are unwilling or unable to give rescue breaths, perform chest compression only CPR, as this is better than nothing. Push down hard and then release twice per second, and don’t stop.

Step 5

Give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths and continue this until:

Further qualified assistance arrives and takes over, the casualty starts to show signs of life such as breathing or talking, you become too tired and need to swap with another bystander, or a defibrillator is ready to be used.