Adult CPR

It might be easier and helpful to first watch a demonstration of basic life support and then read the steps below. Below we have embedded a video from YouTube.

(12) How to do CPR on an Adult First Aid Training St John Ambulance - YouTube

Approach

Make sure its safe for you to approach. If not, call 999/112.
112 is the pan-European equivalent to 999 and can be used in the UK.  

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance

If someone is unconscious and not breathing normally, call 999/112 and start CPR straight away.
If you are alone, remember you can put your mobile phone on loud speaker whilst you are doing CPR.
If there are other people present, you should ask them to call whilst you initiate CPR.
If you have to make the call, stay with the collapsed person if possible.
If you do not have access to a phone you should leave to find help and/or a phone to call 999.

Once 999 has been called:
Send someone to get an AED (automated external defibrillator) if one is available. The 999 operator may inform you of the nearest one.
If you are alone; do not leave the person and start CPR.

Chest Compressions

To carry out a chest compression:

1. Kneel next to the person and place the heel of your hand on the breastbone at the centre of their chest. Place the palm of your other hand on top of the hand that's on their chest and interlock your fingers.
2. Position yourself so your shoulders are directly above your hands.
3. Using your body weight (not just your arms), press straight down by 5 to 6cm (2 to 2.5 inches) on their chest.
4. Keeping your hands on their chest, release the compression and allow their chest to return to its original position.
5. Repeat these compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 times a minute until an AED (automated external defibrillator) is attached/an ambulance arrives/for as long as you can.

Rescue breaths

If you're not completely confident, attempt hands-only CPR instead. Otherwise after 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.

1. To give the rescue breath, tilt the person's head gently and lift the chin up with 2 fingers. Pinch the person's nose. Seal your mouth over their mouth and blow steadily and firmly into their mouth for about 1 second. Check that their chest rises.
2. Take your mouth away and watch their chest fall.
3. Give a second rescue breath.
4. Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.

Information:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice
If there's a chance the person who's unwell has COVID-19, place a cloth or towel over their mouth and nose and do hands-only CPR until an ambulance arrives.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are used to assess the heart rhythm and deliver electric shocks to the heart if required. They have replaced the old-fashioned paddle type which you see in the movies.

If a person collapses and requires CPR, begin and send a bystander to locate an AED. It is important that CPR is not interrupted.

The AED will display instructions for use. When it arrives, turn on the AED and apply the electrode pads to the bare chest. A diagram will show where to place the electrodes on the person. Once this is done, the AED will analyse the heart rhythm and give instructions, including when to stop and start CPR, and if a button should be pressed to deliver a shock (not all AEDs will need a button pressed). If it says ‘clear’, the AED is delivering a shock – keep back from the person and do not touch them or you will receive a shock as well. The AED will tell you when it is safe to resume CPR.