CPR — Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

CPR is performed on anyone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Use 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths at 100–120 compressions per minute, adjusting depth and technique for adults, children and infants.

When to start CPR

Start CPR immediately if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Don't wait — every minute without CPR reduces survival by about 10%.

Adult and child (over 1 year)

1. Lay the person flat on a firm surface and kneel beside their chest.
2. Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the sternum (centre of the chest). Place your other hand on top and interlock fingers.
3. Keep your arms straight and shoulders directly above your hands.
4. Push down one third of the depth of the chest (about 5 cm in an adult).
5. Compress at a rate of 100–120 per minute — about 2 per second.
6. Give 30 compressions, then 2 rescue breaths.
7. Continue 30:2 until the person recovers, an ambulance arrives, an AED instructs you to stop, or you physically cannot continue.

Infant (under 1 year)

1. Place the infant on a firm surface.
2. Use two fingers on the lower half of the sternum.
3. Compress one third of chest depth at 100–120 per minute.
4. For breaths, cover both the mouth and nose with your mouth and give gentle puffs — just enough to see the chest rise.
5. Continue 30:2.

Compression-only CPR

If you are unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths, do continuous chest compressions at 100–120 per minute. Compression-only CPR is much better than no CPR.

When to stop

Stop CPR only if:

• The person starts breathing normally.
• A paramedic or doctor takes over.
• An AED tells you to stand clear (resume immediately if prompted).
• You are physically exhausted and no one can take over.

See also

CPR is step C of DRSABCD. Apply an AED as soon as it arrives — do not stop CPR to wait for it.