Adult CPR — do this now
- Check & call. Tap the person and shout. If there's no response and they're not breathing normally (or only gasping), call 911 and send for an AED.
- Position. Lay them on their back on a firm, flat surface. Kneel beside their chest.
- Hand placement. Put the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the breastbone). Place your other hand on top and interlace your fingers.
- Push hard & fast. Press down at least 2 inches deep at 100–120 pushes per minute. Let the chest come all the way back up between each push.
- Breaths (if trained). After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths — tilt the head back, lift the chin, pinch the nose, and give each breath over about 1 second until the chest rises. Then keep going 30:2. Not trained or unsure? Do hands-only CPR — nonstop compressions, no breaths.
- Don't stop. Continue until the AED is ready to use, the person clearly wakes/moves/breathes, or EMS takes over. If someone can help, swap compressors about every 2 minutes so you don't tire out.
per min
AED — the moment it arrives
- Turn it on and follow the spoken prompts — it walks you through everything.
- Bare and dry the chest, then place the pads exactly as pictured on them (one upper-right chest, one lower-left side).
- Stand clear while it analyzes. Make sure no one is touching the person.
- If it says "shock," confirm everyone is clear, then press the shock button.
- Resume compressions immediately after the shock — or right away if no shock is advised — and keep going until EMS takes over.
Child (age 1 to puberty): compress about 2 inches with one or two hands, 100–120/min. 30:2 with one rescuer, 15:2 with two.
Infant (under 1): use two fingers on the center of the chest just below the nipple line, about 1.5 inches deep. 30:2 with one rescuer, 15:2 with two.
If you see a child or infant suddenly collapse, call 911 first. If they were found unresponsive and you're alone, give about 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call.