CPR for Adults
What to do if an adult collapses and is not breathing normally, including hands-only CPR.
Last revised
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation keeps oxygenated blood moving to the brain and heart until a defibrillator or ambulance arrives. Survival falls sharply for every minute without it, and imperfect CPR is vastly better than none.
Check and call
Check for danger, then for a response: shout and gently shake the shoulders. If there is no response, open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin, and look, listen and feel for normal breathing for no more than ten seconds. Occasional gasping is not normal breathing. If they are not breathing normally, call 999 immediately, put the phone on speaker, and ask for the nearest defibrillator.
Compressions
Kneel beside them. Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest, the other on top, fingers interlocked. Keep your arms straight and your shoulders directly above your hands. Press down 5 to 6cm, then release fully, at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. Allowing the chest to recoil completely between compressions matters as much as the depth.
Hands-only is acceptable
If you are untrained or unwilling to give rescue breaths, give compressions continuously without stopping. This is explicitly endorsed and produces far better outcomes than doing nothing. If you are trained and willing, give 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, and continue in that ratio.
Defibrillators
Public access defibrillators are designed for untrained use: they give spoken instructions and will not deliver a shock unless one is needed. Send someone else to fetch it while you continue compressions. The 999 operator can tell you where the nearest one is and give you the code to open the cabinet.
At a glance
| Term | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compression depth, adult | 5-6cm |
| Compression rate | 100-120 per minute |
| Ratio when giving breaths | 30 compressions to 2 breaths |
| If untrained or unwilling | hands-only, continuous compressions |
| Check breathing for | no more than 10 seconds |
| Agonal gasping | is not normal breathing; start CPR |
| Defibrillator | safe for untrained use; it will not shock unless needed |
| Continue until | help arrives, they recover, or you cannot continue |
When to get help
Call 999 immediately if an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally, and start CPR straight away. Do not delay to check a pulse. Send someone for a defibrillator while you continue compressions. This page is a summary, not training — book a practical first aid course, which is what actually builds the skill.
Where to go next
Where this comes from
- Resuscitation Council UK - adult basic life support guidelines
- NHS - How to do CPR
- British Heart Foundation - CPR and defibrillators
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.