How to Perform Adult CPR: A Complete Life-Saving Guide

Survey the Scene and Check the Victim

Gently tap the person's shoulders and shout, "Are you okay?" Look for normal breathing. Gasping or no breathing at all signals cardiac arrest.

• Not breathing or only gasping: Call 112 immediately or delegate to a bystander, then begin CPR.
• Breathing normally: Place in the recovery position and monitor until help arrives.
• If alone: Call 112 on speakerphone first, then start CPR.

Prepare for Chest Compressions

Lay the victim on their back on a firm, flat surface. Loosen or move any bulky clothing from the chest to ensure correct hand placement and effective compressions.

• Locate the center of the chest — lower half of the sternum, between the nipples.
• Place the heel of one hand on this point; place your other hand on top and interlace your fingers.
• Keep your arms straight, shoulders directly over your hands.
• Lift your fingers off the chest to focus pressure through the heel of your hand.

Perform High-Quality Chest Compressions

Compressions are the single most important component of effective CPR. Push down hard and fast — and allow the chest to fully recoil between each compression.

• Depth: At least 2 inches (5 cm), no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
• Rate: 100–120 compressions per minute — the tempo of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees.
• Full recoil: Allow complete chest rebound; do not lean on the chest between compressions.
• Minimise interruptions: Keep any pauses under 10 seconds.
• Complete 30 compressions (roughly 15–18 seconds) before providing breaths.

Head-Tilt, Chin-Lift Technique

If you are trained in full CPR, open the airway after every 30 compressions using the head-tilt, chin-lift manoeuvre:

• Place one hand on the victim's forehead and gently tilt the head back.
• Lift the chin forward with two fingers to move the tongue away from the back of the throat.
• If spinal injury is suspected, use the jaw-thrust method instead — do not tilt the head.

Deliver 2 Effective Rescue Breaths

After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. A CPR face mask or barrier device is strongly recommended for hygiene and safety.

• Maintain the head-tilt position; pinch the nose firmly closed.
• Create a complete seal over the mouth and give a 1-second breath — just enough to see the chest rise.
• Allow full exhalation, then deliver the second breath.
• If the chest doesn't rise, reposition the head and retry once. If it still fails, resume compressions.
• Never give more than 2 breaths before returning to compressions.

Maintain a 30:2 Compression-to-Breath Ratio

Repeat cycles of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths (or continuous compressions if doing hands-only CPR) without interruption.

• After approximately 5 cycles (~2 minutes), briefly reassess for signs of life.
• If no normal breathing or movement, immediately resume CPR starting with compressions.
• Switch rescuers every 2 minutes to maintain compression quality and prevent fatigue.

Continue until: emergency services arrive and take over · the victim shows clear signs of life · an AED becomes available · you are physically unable to continue.

Apply an Automated External Defibrillator If Available

An AED can restore a normal heart rhythm when CPR alone cannot. These devices are increasingly available in airports, malls, offices, gyms, and metro stations across Delhi-NCR.

• Witnessed collapse: Have someone retrieve the AED while you begin CPR immediately.
• Unwitnessed collapse: Perform 2 minutes of CPR first, then apply the AED.
• Turn on the AED and follow all voice and visual prompts carefully.
• Attach pads to bare chest as illustrated; ensure no one is touching the victim during analysis or shock.
• Resume CPR immediately after shock delivery — the AED will prompt you when to pause for reanalysis.