How to Perform CPR on an Adult

How to Perform CPR on an Adult

Introduction to CPR

What is CPR and Why It’s Important

CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is one of the most crucial emergency procedures used to save lives in sudden cardiac arrest situations. It’s a method of manually pumping the heart and providing artificial breathing to maintain circulation and oxygenation in a person whose heart has stopped beating effectively. Think of it as jump-starting a car that has stalled—you’re buying time until professional help can restart the engine properly.

When a person’s heart stops, the oxygen-rich blood no longer flows to the brain and other vital organs. Brain damage can begin within just four to six minutes. That’s why initiating CPR immediately—even before the ambulance arrives—can double or even triple the chances of survival. Every second counts. In fact, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), approximately 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home, and only about 46% of people receive immediate CPR from bystanders.

Performing CPR isn’t just a technical skill; it’s a powerful act of compassion and courage. Whether you’re a trained healthcare provider or a concerned bystander, knowing how to perform CPR can make the difference between life and death. And the best part? Anyone can learn it. You don’t need to be a doctor or nurse to save a life—you just need the will to act and the knowledge to do it right.

When Should You Perform CPR?

Not every collapse requires CPR, but certain signs clearly indicate when it’s necessary. CPR should be performed when an adult is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally (i.e., only gasping). This situation is a strong indicator that the heart has either stopped or is in a deadly rhythm that’s preventing it from pumping blood effectively.

Let’s say you find someone slumped on the ground. First, you try to wake them—no response. You check for breathing and find none, or you only hear agonal gasps. These are not effective breaths. This is your cue: start CPR immediately.

Other instances that call for CPR include:

• Sudden cardiac arrest

• Near-drowning

• Drug overdoses

• Electrocution

• Choking, once the object is removed and the person is still not breathing

Don’t wait for certainty. If you’re unsure whether the person is breathing normally or has a pulse, it’s better to act than hesitate. Delays can cost precious time. The worst-case scenario for acting unnecessarily is minimal—but failing to act could be fatal.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

You might be wondering: what if I do it wrong? What if I get sued? These are common concerns, but the good news is that Good Samaritan laws exist in many places to protect people who provide emergency help in good faith. As long as you’re not acting recklessly or with gross negligence, you’re legally shielded.

Ethically, performing CPR on someone in distress is the right thing to do. Imagine the reverse—what if it were your loved one on the ground? Wouldn’t you want someone to help? Bystander CPR isn’t just about technical skill; it’s a moral action rooted in human decency. The risks of not acting far outweigh the risks of stepping in.

The law generally favors the person who tries to help, not the one who stands by and watches. So, don’t let fear hold you back. When in doubt, do something—because doing nothing might be irreversible.

Preparation Before Performing CPR

Ensure Scene Safety

Before diving in to help someone in distress, your safety comes first. It’s easy to be caught up in the urgency of the moment, but entering a dangerous situation can create two victims instead of one. Take a few seconds to assess your surroundings. Is there ongoing traffic? Downed power lines? Fire or smoke? Hostile individuals?

If the area isn’t safe, do not proceed. Call emergency services and wait for professionals who are trained and equipped to handle dangerous environments. If it’s safe, proceed quickly but cautiously.

Think of it like an airplane oxygen mask—you need to ensure your safety first before assisting others. It may feel counterintuitive, but it’s a key principle in emergency response.

Once you determine the scene is safe:

• Put on gloves if available

• Consider a face shield or mask if giving rescue breaths

• Avoid unnecessary contact with bodily fluids

Remember, keeping yourself safe allows you to be effective. You’re no help if you become the next patient.

Check for Responsiveness

Now it’s time to check if the person really needs CPR. Tap the person’s shoulder firmly and shout, “Are you okay?” Look for any signs of movement, groaning, or eye response. If there’s no reaction, move to the next step.

Position the person flat on their back on a firm surface. Gently shake their shoulders while calling out again. Still no response? Proceed to check for breathing.

This assessment should take no more than 10 seconds. You don’t need a stethoscope or fancy skills—just keen observation. CPR isn’t about waiting for perfect clarity; it’s about acting fast with the information at hand.

Call for Emergency Help

Once you’ve confirmed the person is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, call emergency services immediately.

If you’re not alone:

• Assign someone specific to call 911 (e.g., “You in the blue shirt, call 911!”)

• Ask them to return and confirm that help is on the way

• Have them locate and bring an AED if available

If you are alone:

• Call 911 on speakerphone and begin CPR immediately

• The dispatcher can guide you step-by-step through CPR if needed

Never underestimate the importance of calling for help. CPR keeps oxygen flowing temporarily, but it doesn’t restart the heart. That’s what emergency responders and AEDs are for. You’re buying time—crucial, life-saving time—until the pros arrive with defibrillators, medications, and advanced care.

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The Basic Steps of Adult CPR

The CAB Sequence: Circulation, Airway, Breathing

When it comes to saving a life through CPR, the CAB method—Circulation, Airway, Breathing—is the gold standard. It’s designed to keep oxygen-rich blood circulating throughout the body until normal heart function can be restored, either naturally or with defibrillation.

Circulation (C) comes first because chest compressions are the most critical component in adult CPR. Without circulation, oxygen can’t reach the brain and vital organs. Compressions push blood through the heart and keep it flowing, essentially replacing the heart’s job momentarily.

Airway (A) is the next priority. After 30 compressions, you’ll tilt the person’s head back and lift the chin to open the airway. This helps prevent the tongue from blocking airflow. In unconscious individuals, the muscles relax, and the tongue can fall backward, obstructing breathing.

Breathing (B) involves giving two rescue breaths after the airway is cleared. You pinch the nose, cover the person’s mouth with yours (using a barrier if available), and breathe in steadily for about one second. Watch for the chest to rise. If it doesn’t, re-tilt the head and try again.

This method may sound mechanical, but it’s the most effective way to stabilize someone until help arrives. The CAB approach is endorsed by major health organizations, including the AHA, because it prioritizes what the body needs most in cardiac arrest: oxygenated blood circulation.

Chest Compressions: The Lifeline

Chest compressions are the heart of CPR. They create artificial circulation by manually pumping the heart, allowing blood to reach the brain and other vital organs. The goal is to mimic the heart’s natural rhythm and maintain a steady flow of oxygenated blood.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the sternum)

• Place the other hand on top and interlock your fingers

• Keep your elbows straight and shoulders directly over your hands

• Press down hard and fast—at least 2 inches deep and 100–120 compressions per minute

Imagine you’re doing compressions to the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. Yes, it’s ironically perfect.

It’s normal to feel unsure or fear hurting the person, but effective CPR may cause rib fractures—and that’s okay. Cracked ribs are a small price to pay for saving a life. You should allow full recoil after each compression so the heart can refill between pumps.

Keep in mind:

• Don’t lean on the chest between compressions

• Avoid interruptions in compressions for more than 10 seconds

• High-quality compressions are more important than perfect technique

The effectiveness of CPR hinges on how well chest compressions are delivered. If you’re going to focus on any one skill, make it this one.

Rescue Breaths: When and How to Give Them

Rescue breaths are a vital component of traditional CPR—especially in cases where the cardiac arrest is due to respiratory issues, like drowning or drug overdose. These breaths provide essential oxygen to the lungs when the person isn’t breathing on their own.

To give proper rescue breaths:

1. After 30 chest compressions, open the airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift technique.

2. Pinch the person’s nose shut.

3. Take a normal breath and seal your mouth over theirs.

4. Blow steadily for about 1 second.

5. Watch for the chest to rise—this means air is entering the lungs.

6. If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again.

You should give two breaths, then go right back into compressions. Aim to minimize the time spent away from chest compressions.

A few important tips:

• Use a CPR face shield or pocket mask if available.

• Don’t overinflate the lungs; gentle breaths are enough.

• Avoid rescue breaths if you’re not comfortable or don’t have a barrier device—hands-only CPR is acceptable and better than nothing.

In a public setting, some people worry about disease transmission. This is valid, but incredibly rare. If you’re unsure, hands-only CPR is still effective and recommended by the AHA for bystanders who aren’t trained or are uncomfortable giving breaths.

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Performing Hands-Only CPR

When to Use Hands-Only CPR

Hands-only CPR is a simplified version of traditional CPR that focuses solely on chest compressions. It’s specifically designed for bystanders who are untrained or uncomfortable giving mouth-to-mouth breaths. The good news? It’s just as effective in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest.

Hands-only CPR is ideal in the following situations:

• The rescuer is untrained in full CPR

• There’s no protective barrier for rescue breaths

• The cardiac arrest is witnessed and recent

• The cause of cardiac arrest is cardiac in nature (not drowning or overdose)

This method is especially useful in public places, where hesitation to give rescue breaths might delay action. Studies show that people are more likely to perform hands-only CPR because it’s less intimidating and more accessible.

Even without rescue breaths, compressions alone help move some oxygen through the bloodstream—buying time until an AED or EMS arrives. If in doubt, always start with compressions.

How to Give Effective Chest Compressions

You’ve decided to do hands-only CPR—now what?

Here’s how to deliver high-quality compressions:

• Kneel beside the person’s chest

• Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest

• Place the other hand on top and lock your fingers

• Keep your elbows locked and shoulders above your hands

• Compress the chest at least 2 inches deep

• Keep a steady pace of 100–120 compressions per minute

• Allow full recoil between compressions

• Continue until help arrives or an AED is available

Remember: consistency is everything. Don’t stop unless the person begins to breathe on their own, an AED is ready for use, or trained help takes over.

Hands-only CPR is better than no CPR. It might feel awkward or tiring, but you’re buying precious time. Keep pushing—it matters more than you think.

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Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

What is an AED?

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that diagnoses life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and delivers an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm. In layman’s terms: it’s a machine that can restart the heart.

AEDs are found in many public places—schools, airports, gyms, malls, and even some workplaces. They’re designed for layperson use, meaning you don’t need medical training to use one effectively.

The device uses voice prompts and visual cues to guide you through each step. It will only deliver a shock if it detects a rhythm that can be corrected. You can’t accidentally harm someone with an AED—it’s smart and safe to use.

How to Use an AED During CPR

Once you’ve started CPR, use the AED as soon as it becomes available.

Steps to follow:

1. Turn on the AED (most devices do this automatically when the lid is opened).

2. Follow the voice instructions.

3. Expose the chest and apply the electrode pads (one below the right collarbone, one on the lower left side).

4. Allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm.

5. If a shock is advised, make sure no one is touching the person and press the shock button.

6. Immediately resume CPR after the shock, starting with chest compressions.

Continue to follow the AED’s instructions until emergency personnel take over. The machine will guide you on when to re-analyze and whether another shock is needed.

AEDs are most effective when used within the first 3 to 5 minutes of a cardiac arrest. That’s why locating and applying one quickly is crucial.

AED Safety Tips and Precautions

While AEDs are simple to use, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Don’t touch the person during analysis or shock delivery.

• Use pediatric pads for children if available.

• Remove excessive chest hair if it interferes with pad contact (use the razor in the AED kit).

• Ensure the chest is dry before applying pads.

• Do not use near water or while standing in water.

When used properly, an AED can significantly increase a person’s chance of survival. Combine it with CPR, and you become a lifesaving powerhouse.

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Special CPR Situations

CPR on Pregnant Adults

Performing CPR on a pregnant woman introduces unique challenges. The primary concern is the pressure the uterus exerts on the major blood vessels, which can reduce blood return to the heart. Despite this, standard CPR techniques still apply—with a few important modifications.

Here’s how to adjust:

• Place the woman on her back on a firm surface.

• Tilt her slightly to the left side (15–30 degrees) by placing a rolled towel or blanket under her right hip. This relieves pressure on the vena cava and improves circulation.

• Perform chest compressions as usual—center of the chest, at least 2 inches deep, 100–120 per minute.

• Ensure airway management and ventilation are not compromised by the uterine size.

An important thing to remember: saving the mother saves the baby. Immediate, high-quality CPR gives both the best chance of survival. If trained help is available, they may consider perimortem cesarean delivery after 4–5 minutes of failed resuscitation, but for the layperson, the focus should be on effective compressions and rapid defibrillation.

Never hesitate to perform CPR just because someone is pregnant. Time is critical. Your action can mean the difference between life and death—for two lives, not just one.

CPR in Drowning Victims

Drowning results in respiratory arrest, which is often followed by cardiac arrest if not treated quickly. This makes rescue breaths especially important in drowning-related CPR.

Here’s how to approach it:

1. Get the person out of the water safely, supporting the head and neck if spinal injury is suspected.

2. Check for responsiveness and breathing.

3. If unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR immediately.

4. Start with 2 rescue breaths first—then begin chest compressions.

5. Perform 30 compressions, followed by 2 breaths, continuing the cycle.

Rescue breaths provide the oxygen the body desperately needs after being submerged. Hands-only CPR is not recommended in drowning cases unless you’re untrained or unwilling to provide breaths.

Don’t delay CPR to clear water from the lungs. That’s a common misconception. The lungs act like a sponge and you cannot “squeeze” them dry. Just start with breaths and go from there.

CPR in Drug Overdose Cases

Overdose—especially from opioids—can lead to respiratory and cardiac arrest. CPR is essential, but additional tools like naloxone (Narcan) can greatly increase survival odds.

In an overdose situation:

• Call emergency services immediately.

• Begin CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing.

• Provide rescue breaths first if you’re trained.

• Administer naloxone if available, following the device instructions.

• Continue CPR until help arrives or the person revives.

Even if someone is revived with naloxone, they still need medical care. CPR buys time, and naloxone reverses opioid effects temporarily—but the underlying issue remains.

Don’t be afraid to act in overdose cases. Many states offer Good Samaritan protections to people who help during drug-related emergencies.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inadequate Compressions

One of the most common and dangerous mistakes is not pressing hard enough or fast enough during chest compressions. Shallow or slow compressions simply don’t generate enough blood flow to make a difference.

Here are the key metrics to remember:

• Depth: At least 2 inches

• Rate: 100–120 compressions per minute

• Recoil: Allow full chest rise between compressions

If you’re too gentle or inconsistent, the body won’t receive the oxygen it needs. Don’t be afraid to push hard—especially on adults. It might cause rib fractures, but that’s a small price to pay for saving a life.

Other compression-related errors include:

• Leaning on the chest instead of letting it recoil

• Not placing your hands in the center of the chest

• Getting tired and slowing down—if help is available, switch roles every 2 minutes

High-quality compressions are the foundation of effective CPR.

Delayed Response

Seconds matter in cardiac arrest. Every minute without CPR reduces survival by 7–10%. One of the worst mistakes is hesitating due to fear, uncertainty, or waiting for someone else to act.

Common delays include:

• Waiting for trained help before starting

• Searching too long for a pulse

• Worrying about legal consequences

• Debating whether to give rescue breaths

Don’t let indecision cost a life. It’s better to act imperfectly than not at all. Once you recognize cardiac arrest—start compressions immediately.

Bystander intervention can double or triple survival chances. Be the one who acts.

Forgetting to Call Emergency Services

You could give perfect CPR for 10 minutes, but without emergency services, the person still may not survive. One of the most overlooked steps is failing to call 911 or local emergency numbers.

Never skip this:

• Call first, then act if you’re alone.

• If others are present, delegate someone to call and bring an AED.

Remember: CPR does not restart the heart. It maintains oxygen flow until a defibrillator or medical professional intervenes. Without calling for help, CPR is just buying time with no destination.

Make sure emergency response is activated as soon as unresponsiveness is confirmed.

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Post-CPR Considerations

What to Do After CPR is Performed

Once the person has been revived or emergency services arrive, your job shifts from active intervention to support and documentation.

Here’s what to do:

• Stop compressions if the person shows signs of life (breathing, coughing, movement).

• Place them in the recovery position—on their side, with the airway open.

• Stay calm and provide details to emergency personnel:

  • When the collapse occurred

  • How long you performed CPR

  • If an AED was used

  • Whether the person took any drugs or had trauma

If they regain consciousness, stay with them and reassure them. They may be confused or disoriented.

Once medical help takes over, they may ask you questions or need a quick briefing—your observations can help guide further treatment. You might also be asked to provide a witness statement if it occurred in a public place.

Keep in mind, even if the person does not survive, your actions were critical and commendable. You did everything possible to save a life.

Emotional Aftermath for Bystanders

Performing CPR can be a traumatic experience. Even if you know you did the right thing, the emotional toll can be intense. It’s normal to feel:

• Anxious or shaken

• Guilty about the outcome

• Unsure if you did everything correctly

• Haunted by the memory

These feelings are valid and common. Don’t bottle them up. Consider talking to:

• A mental health counselor

• Support groups

• Emergency responders who were on the scene

Many communities offer debriefings for people involved in traumatic events. You’re not alone. Saving a life—or trying to—takes courage, and it’s okay to seek help processing the experience.

Remember: you did something most people would hesitate to do. Be proud of your bravery.

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CPR Certification and Training

Where to Get Trained

While it’s possible to learn CPR from articles and videos, the best way to be prepared is through hands-on training. Certified programs offer comprehensive lessons on:

• Adult, child, and infant CPR

• AED usage

• Choking relief

• Special scenarios (e.g., drowning, trauma, overdose)

Trusted organizations include:

• American Heart Association (AHA)

• Red Cross

• National Safety Council

• Local fire departments and hospitals

Many of these offer blended courses—part online, part in-person—so you can learn at your own pace and still get hands-on practice.

The time investment is small (often 3–5 hours), but the payoff is life-changing. You’ll walk away with skills, confidence, and a certification valid for 1–2 years.

Online vs. In-Person CPR Courses

Online CPR courses are increasingly popular, especially for convenience. However, they have limitations. Here’s a breakdown:

Online Courses:

• Convenient and flexible

• Great for theory and awareness

• Often lack hands-on skill testing

• Not always recognized for job requirements

In-Person Courses:

• Hands-on practice with mannequins

• Immediate feedback from instructors

• Often required for healthcare or safety jobs

• Build more confidence in real-life situations

For the general public, online training is better than no training—but if you want true readiness, go for in-person or blended certification.

Keeping Your Certification Updated

CPR guidelines evolve. Techniques, compression depths, and even the CAB sequence weren’t always the standard. That’s why it’s important to renew your certification every 1–2 years.

Benefits of renewal include:

• Refreshing your muscle memory

• Learning updated best practices

• Staying compliant for employment or volunteer roles

• Boosting your confidence in an emergency

Don’t wait until you forget how to save a life. Stay current, stay confident, and stay ready.

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Promoting CPR Awareness

Why Everyone Should Learn CPR

Imagine a world where everyone—your neighbor, your coworker, your friend at the gym—knew how to save a life. That’s what widespread CPR awareness can achieve. When more people are trained and confident in performing CPR, survival rates from cardiac arrest skyrocket.

Every year, over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the United States alone. Yet, only about 46% of victims receive bystander CPR. That means more than half never get a fighting chance. The tragedy? Most cardiac arrests happen at home, which means the person who collapses could be your loved one.

Here’s why universal CPR knowledge is critical:

• It saves lives—by doubling or tripling the survival chance in many cases.

• It reduces response time—because trained bystanders don’t hesitate.

• It empowers communities—by fostering a culture of action over fear.

• It’s easy to learn—often requiring just a few hours of training.

Plus, knowing CPR gives you peace of mind. You never know when you’ll be the only one standing between someone and death—and having the knowledge to act decisively makes all the difference.

Some schools and workplaces now require CPR training, and it’s a trend that should continue. Whether you’re a teen, parent, teacher, or retiree—this is a skill you should have in your back pocket.

Community Initiatives and Programs

Many communities are stepping up to spread CPR awareness through public training programs, school curriculum mandates, and local health events.

Look for:

• Free or discounted CPR classes at community centers or fire stations

• CPR kiosks in airports that let you practice compressions on a manikin

• Awareness campaigns during National CPR & AED Awareness Week (first week of June)

• School programs that make CPR a graduation requirement

You can also get involved by:

• Hosting a CPR training session in your workplace

• Volunteering with organizations like the Red Cross

• Donating to groups that provide AEDs to schools and sports teams

• Encouraging your local gym or library to host a certification event

These small efforts ripple outward. If one person learns CPR because of your encouragement—and they save a life—it’s all worth it.

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Conclusion

Learning how to perform CPR on an adult isn’t just a skill—it’s a responsibility. In a world where sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time, your knowledge could be the lifeline someone desperately needs.

From understanding when to act, to mastering the CAB sequence, to handling special scenarios like pregnancy or overdose—you now know how to respond. Whether it’s traditional CPR with breaths or hands-only compressions, your intervention can make all the difference.

We’ve also covered AED usage, common mistakes, post-CPR actions, and the emotional aftermath. Most importantly, we’ve reinforced that action is always better than inaction. Fear, hesitation, or uncertainty should never stop you from doing what you can.

Cardiac arrest doesn’t wait for medics. It waits for someone like you.

So take the step: learn CPR, get certified, encourage others, and be prepared. Because someday, someone’s life might literally depend on you. And you’ll be ready.

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FAQs

1. What if I break a rib during CPR?

Breaking a rib during CPR is common and not a cause for concern. In fact, it often means you’re compressing deep enough to be effective. The priority in cardiac arrest is to restore blood flow, even if that causes injury. A broken rib is recoverable—death isn’t.

2. How do I know if CPR is working?

Signs CPR may be helping include:

• The person starts breathing again

• They cough or move

• Their skin color improves

However, don’t stop CPR based on guesses—continue until emergency personnel take over or the person shows clear signs of life.

3. Can I get in legal trouble for doing CPR?

In most places, Good Samaritan laws protect you as long as you act in good faith and don’t perform grossly negligent actions. These laws are designed to encourage bystander help. You’re very unlikely to face legal trouble for trying to save a life.

4. What if the person starts breathing again during CPR?

If the person regains consciousness or starts breathing normally:

• Stop CPR

• Roll them into the recovery position

• Monitor their breathing

• Be ready to resume CPR if needed

Never leave the person alone until emergency services arrive.

5. Is CPR different for COVID-19 safety protocols?

During COVID-19 or other respiratory disease outbreaks, it’s recommended to:

• Use hands-only CPR

• Place a cloth or mask over the person’s mouth

• Use face shields if rescue breaths are given

• Wash hands and sanitize immediately after

Despite the risk, saving a life still outweighs the fear—just use precautions.

DISCLAIMER:– This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek help from qualified health providers in emergencies.

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