Adult CPR Steps

These adult CPR steps are intended for victims over 12 years old.

Check the Scene   - make sure it is safe for you to help. Don't become another victim.   Check the Victim   - tap and shout to get response.   Call for Help   - call 9-1-1, or tell someone to call. If you are alone with an adult, call first then start CPR if needed. Call for any unconscious victim, whether they are breathing or not.   Circulation   - pump the chest 30 times. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest and your other hand on top of it. Press chest down at least 2 inches at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.   Airway   - tilt head back, lift chin up to open airway.   Breathing   - Pinch nose closed, take a normal breath, cover victim's mouth with yours and blow out your breath until you see the chest rise. Give a second breath. Take about 1 second per breath. If chest doesn't rise, open airway again.   Repeat C - A - B   until help arrives or the victim begins breathing. If there are two rescuers, one does the breathing and one does the compressions - CPR steps and ratios remain the same.

Just remember to save a life!

Becoming familiar with these adult CPR instructions will help you in performing CPR on adults using the correct procedures. This is only a quick review of the skills needed and should not be used as training, but can be a useful refresher.

CPR is a simple skill that may help you save someone's life. It happens every day, but more often the life is lost because bystanders have not been trained in effective adult CPR which includes compressions and breaths.

Use the CPR Wizard to step through decisions in performing adult CPR steps.
Take the CPR Test to check your CPR Instructions knowledge online.