Adult CPR

When to start CPR

• The person is unresponsive: they don't respond when you shout and tap their shoulders
• They are not breathing normally: no chest movement, or only occasional gasps
• You cannot feel a pulse (check the side of the neck for 10 seconds, but don't waste time if unsure)

If in doubt, start CPR. Doing CPR on someone who doesn't need it is far less dangerous than not doing it on someone who does.

Hands-only CPR steps

1. Call for help: tell someone to call emergency services (1166 Rescue / 115 Edhi). If alone, call first, then start CPR.
2. Place the person on a firm, flat surface (floor, ground, not a bed)
3. Hand position: place the heel of one hand on the centre of their chest (on the breastbone, between the nipples). Place your other hand on top, interlocking your fingers.
4. Push hard and fast: press down 5–6cm deep, at a rate of 100–120 pushes per minute
5. Let the chest recoil fully between each compression; don't lean on the chest
6. Don't stop: continue until help arrives, the person starts breathing, or you physically cannot continue

Depth and speed

• 5–6cm deep: this is deeper than most people think. You may feel ribs crack. This is normal and expected. Keep going.
• 100–120 per minute: the tempo of "Stayin' Alive" is the right speed
• Count aloud: "one and two and three and four..." to keep rhythm

If you're trained in rescue breaths

After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths:

1. Tilt the head back, lift the chin
2. Pinch the nose shut
3. Seal your mouth over theirs
4. Blow for 1 second, watch the chest rise
5. Give a second breath
6. Return immediately to compressions

If you're not trained or uncomfortable, hands-only CPR (compressions without breaths) is still effective.

Switching off

CPR is exhausting. If someone else is available, switch every 2 minutes (about 5 cycles of 30 compressions). Switch quickly, minimising any pause in compressions.

When to stop

• Emergency medical team takes over
• The person starts breathing and responding
• You are physically unable to continue and no one else can take over