What Is Adult CPR?
Adult CPR is a first-aid emergency procedure used when an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
CPR helps keep blood moving to vital organs until professional medical help arrives. It does not replace emergency medical care. It is an immediate response that can be started by a trained person.
For a workplace, CPR training should not be limited to one person. Ideally, several employees should know what to do because an emergency can happen on any shift.
How to Perform Adult CPR: A Practical Guide for Workplaces and Factories in Delhi NCR
Imagine a normal workday in a factory in Okhla, Noida, Gurugram, or Faridabad. People are working, machines are running, and everyone is focused on the job. Suddenly, a worker falls to the floor and does not respond.
For the people nearby, this can be a frightening moment. But knowing how to perform adult CPR can help you respond quickly while medical help is on the way.
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an emergency skill used when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. In a workplace, having trained staff can make a real difference during a medical emergency.
This guide explains the basic steps of adult CPR and why CPR training is useful for offices, factories, warehouses, schools, and other workplaces across Delhi NCR.
Give Rescue Breaths if You Are Trained
If you have CPR training and are willing and able to give rescue breaths, use the standard CPR cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths.
Open the airway and give each breath over about one second, watching for the chest to rise.
If you are not trained in rescue breathing, or you are not comfortable giving breaths, continuous chest compressions are still better than doing nothing.
A CPR course gives employees the chance to practice these steps with a manikin instead of trying to remember everything during a real emergency.
What Is Adult CPR and When Is It Critical?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to manually maintain blood circulation and brain oxygenation when a person's heart has stopped beating. For adults—anyone over 8 years of age—prompt and proper CPR can be the difference between life and death.
Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. When the heart stops, brain cells begin dying within minutes. Immediate bystander CPR buys critical time until paramedics arrive, dramatically improving the chances of survival and full neurological recovery.
Untrained bystander? Perform hands-only CPR—continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths. Research shows it is nearly as effective for adults and far easier to perform correctly under pressure.
CPR Techniques by Age Group
How to Perform Adult CPR: 7 Evidence-Based Steps
These steps follow guidelines aligned with the American Heart Association (AHA) and are adapted for India's emergency services and the 112 response system.
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.
Never delay calling emergency services. Time lost is brain tissue lost.
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.
Hear a pop or crack? Keep going. Rib or cartilage sounds are normal. CPR on someone in cardiac arrest cannot make their situation worse — stopping CPR will.
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.
Suspected neck or spinal trauma? See our head injury first aid guide for the jaw-thrust technique.
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.
Not comfortable with rescue breaths? That's perfectly fine. Hands-only CPR is nearly as effective for adults and is always preferable to doing nothing.
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, or 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.
Our CPR certification courses include comprehensive hands-on AED training to build confidence and speed in real emergencies.
Use an AED When Available
An AED, or automated external defibrillator, can check the heart rhythm and may deliver a shock when needed.
If your workplace has an AED, ask someone to bring it while CPR continues.
Turn the AED on and follow its voice or visual instructions.
Place the pads on the person's bare chest as shown on the AED pads. The device will tell you when to stop touching the person so it can analyze the heart rhythm.
If a shock is advised, make sure nobody is touching the person and follow the AED's instructions.
Then continue CPR when instructed.
For factories and large offices, I strongly recommend that AED location and access are included in the workplace emergency plan. Employees should know where it is before an emergency happens.
Keep CPR Going Until Help Arrives
Continue CPR until one of the following happens:
- The person starts showing signs of life or breathing normally.
- A trained medical professional takes over.
- The AED or emergency responder tells you to stop.
- You are physically unable to continue.
- The scene becomes unsafe.
If another trained person is available, take turns doing chest compressions. CPR can be tiring, and fatigue can affect the quality of compressions.
Hands-Only CPR: The Simplest Life-Saving Skill
If you haven't received formal training or are uncomfortable with mouth-to-mouth contact, hands-only CPR is an evidence-backed alternative endorsed by the American Heart Association. It's easy to remember and highly effective for adults.
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1Call 112 (or ask someone to call)
Activate emergency medical services before starting or delegate immediately.
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2Push hard and fast in the center of the chest
At least 2 inches deep; allow full chest recoil between compressions.
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3Maintain 100–120 compressions per minute
Keep a steady, uninterrupted rhythm from start to finish.
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4Don't stop until help arrives
Even extended CPR significantly boosts survival — keep going.
Remember the rhythm: Compress to the beat of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees or "Baby Shark" — both are perfectly timed at 100–120 BPM.
Why CPR Training Matters in Delhi NCR Workplaces
Delhi NCR has a large mix of offices, factories, warehouses, construction sites, schools, hospitals, malls, and commercial buildings.
Areas such as Okhla, Mayur Vihar, Bawana, Wazirpur, Naraina, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram have workplaces where many people may be working together every day.
A workplace emergency does not always happen at a convenient time.
It can happen during a morning shift, lunch break, night shift, loading operation, meeting, or while someone is walking through the premises.
That is why CPR training should be practical rather than just theoretical.
Employees should get a chance to:
- Practice chest compressions
- Learn how to use an AED
- Understand how to respond to an unresponsive person
- Practice calling for emergency help
- Learn basic first aid
- Work as a team during an emergency
- Understand workplace emergency procedures
CPR Training for Factories
Factories have their own challenges.
There may be machines, electrical systems, heat, chemicals, heavy equipment, confined areas, and large numbers of workers. An emergency response plan should consider these workplace conditions.
CPR training can be arranged for workers, supervisors, safety officers, HR teams, security staff, and other employees.
For larger factories, training different teams across different shifts can be useful. This helps ensure that trained people are available during working hours rather than depending on one employee.
For example, a manufacturing unit in Faridabad may have workers across multiple shifts. A facility in Noida or Greater Noida may have production areas, offices, warehouses, and loading zones.
Each workplace can build its CPR response plan around its own layout and workforce.
Essential CPR Tips for High-Quality Resuscitation
Quality matters more than quantity. These clinically proven practices maximise the effectiveness of every compression cycle.
Correct Depth
Compress 2–2.4 inches (5–6 cm). Too shallow doesn't circulate blood; too deep risks injury.
Full Chest Recoil
Allow the chest to fully return to its natural position after each compression. Leaning on the chest reduces cardiac filling.
Consistent Rate
Maintain 100–120 compressions per minute. Too slow or irregular reduces blood flow to the brain.
Minimise Interruptions
Keep all pauses — including for breaths and AED analysis — under 10 seconds. Every pause drops coronary perfusion pressure.
Switch Rescuers
Rescuer fatigue degrades compression quality quickly. Rotate every 2 minutes when another trained person is available.
Firm Surface
CPR on a soft mattress or sofa is far less effective. Move the victim to the floor or a hard surface whenever possible.
When to Stop CPR & What to Do If the Victim Recovers
When Should You Stop CPR?
Continue CPR without stopping until one of the following conditions is clearly met:
- Professional emergency responders arrive and take over.
- The victim shows unambiguous signs of life — normal breathing, purposeful movement, or regained consciousness.
- An AED is turned on and ready to analyse — the device will prompt you to stop briefly.
- The scene becomes unsafe for the rescuer.
- You are completely physically exhausted and no other rescuer can take over.
Note: Documented cases exist of successful resuscitation after 30+ minutes of CPR. Do not give up prematurely.
If the Victim Regains Consciousness
If the person starts breathing normally, moves purposefully, or regains awareness:
- Stop CPR immediately.
- Place the person in the recovery position — on their side with airway open.
- Keep them warm and calm; do not leave them unattended.
- Continue monitoring breathing and responsiveness until EMS arrives.
- Confirm that 112 has been called — do not cancel the call.
Even if the person appears to have fully recovered, professional emergency medical evaluation is mandatory. Cardiac arrest can recur.
Special Circumstances
Pregnant Individuals
Perform CPR exactly as you would for any adult. If possible, tilt a pillow or rolled item under the right hip to relieve pressure on major blood vessels.
Pacemakers & ICDs
Perform CPR normally. For AED pad placement, aim for at least 1 inch away from an implanted device — but never delay defibrillation over this concern.
Water Emergencies
Remove the victim from water first, then begin CPR on a firm, dry surface. See our wilderness first aid guide for water rescue protocols.
CPR Certification Courses in Delhi NCR
24x7 Medical Service offers structured CPR training programmes tailored to healthcare professionals, corporate teams, schools, and the general public.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
For healthcare providers, clinicians, and medical support staff.
- Single-rescuer and team CPR
- Advanced airway management
- High-performance resuscitation
Heartsaver CPR/AED
For non-medical professionals — employees, teachers, coaches.
- Adult, child, and infant CPR
- AED operation and practice
- Relief of choking
Family & Friends CPR
For families, parent groups, community centres, and schools.
- Core CPR skills for all ages
- Affordable group rates
- No prior medical knowledge needed
Corporate CPR Training
On-site, industry-customised programmes for organisations across NCR.
- On-site delivery at premises
- Safety compliance documentation
- Group discounts available
CPR Training for Offices
You might think CPR is mainly for factories, but office workers can also face medical emergencies.
A person can collapse because of a cardiac emergency or another serious medical condition while sitting at a desk, attending a meeting, using a staircase, or walking through the office.
Office CPR training can be useful for:
- HR teams
- Security guards
- Facility managers
- Floor managers
- Administrative staff
- Employees
- Workplace first-aid teams
An office in Connaught Place, Nehru Place, Saket, Gurgaon, Noida, or South Delhi can include CPR training as part of its workplace safety program.
What Makes Good Workplace CPR Training?
Reading an article about how to perform adult CPR is useful, but reading alone cannot give you hands-on experience.
Good CPR training should include practical demonstrations and practice.
Participants should work with CPR manikins and learn the correct hand position, compression depth, compression rate, and overall sequence.
AED practice is also important.
I believe workplace CPR training works best when employees can ask simple questions and practice the steps more than once. When an emergency happens, people should not be seeing a CPR manikin for the first time.
Training should also be refreshed based on the requirements of the organization and the relevant first-aid/CPR training standard being followed.
Who Should Get CPR Certified?
Cardiac emergencies don't discriminate — they can happen to anyone, anywhere. CPR certification is a life skill everyone should have.
Parents & Caregivers
Protect the people who depend on you most.
Teachers & School Staff
Every school should have a trained first responder.
Corporate Employees
Workplace readiness reduces liability and saves lives.
Fitness Professionals
Coaches and trainers must be ready for cardiac events.
Drivers & Security
First on scene in many emergencies across Delhi.
Healthcare Workers
Keep BLS skills sharp and certification current.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult CPR
Answers to the most common questions from students, bystanders, and organisations across Delhi NCR.
Minor rib bruising or even a fracture can occur, but these are inconsequential compared to the alternative — death. A person in cardiac arrest is clinically dead; CPR cannot make their condition worse. India's Good Samaritan provisions protect well-intentioned rescuers from legal liability.
Not for bystander CPR on adults. Hands-only CPR (continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths) is highly effective in the critical first minutes after an adult collapses. Rescue breaths become more important in cases of drowning, respiratory arrest, prolonged resuscitation, and for children.
If a person is breathing normally, responsive, or has a pulse, they don't need CPR. Always check for responsiveness and normal breathing before starting. If you're uncertain and the person is conscious, they will quickly indicate it — they will react, protest, or push you away.
Yes. Modern AEDs provide clear, step-by-step voice and visual instructions designed for untrained users. They also analyse the heart rhythm automatically and will not deliver a shock unless it is medically warranted. That said, formal training significantly increases your speed and confidence when it matters most.
Continue until professional EMS responders arrive and take over, the victim shows clear signs of life, an AED is ready to use, the environment becomes unsafe, or you are entirely unable to physically continue. Research documents successful resuscitations after 30 or more minutes of CPR — don't stop prematurely.
CPR guidelines and techniques are updated regularly based on new research. We recommend refreshing your skills and recertifying every year to ensure you are practising the latest evidence-based techniques. Regular renewal also maintains the muscle memory needed for effective compressions.
CPR is a specific emergency procedure focused on cardiac and respiratory arrest. First aid is a broader set of skills covering treatment of injuries and medical emergencies including bleeding, burns, fractures, poisoning, and more. Our comprehensive courses integrate both, giving you a complete emergency response toolkit.
The Life You Save Could Be Someone You Love
Enroll in CPR Training Today
Cardiac emergencies are unpredictable — your response doesn't have to be. Join thousands of Delhi-NCR residents who have earned CPR certification through 24x7 Medical Service's expert-led programmes.
