Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS· Last reviewed
CPR keeps blood and oxygen moving when someone’s heart has stopped, buying time until help arrives. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, act fast — starting CPR can double their chance of survival.
1. Check response: tap and shout. If no response, shout for help.
2. Call your emergency number (or ask someone to) and get an AED if available.
3. Check breathing for up to 10 seconds — if absent or gasping, start CPR.
4. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest: 30 compressions, ~5–6 cm deep, 100–120 per minute.
5. Give 2 rescue breaths (if trained/willing), then continue 30:2.
6. If untrained or unwilling to give breaths, do hands-only (continuous) compressions.
7. Use an AED as soon as it arrives and follow its voice prompts.
8. Do not stop until help takes over or the person recovers.
When to see a doctor urgently
Call emergency services first (or simultaneously) — CPR alone is not enough
Only stop for an AED shock or when professionals take over
Push to the beat of a fast song (~100–120/min) and allow the chest to rise fully between pushes
Doing something beats doing nothing. If you are unsure, hands-only CPR (continuous chest compressions) still saves lives. This guide is not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course. In an emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How deep and fast should chest compressions be?
About 5–6 cm deep at 100–120 compressions per minute in the centre of the chest, letting the chest fully recoil between each push.
What if I don’t want to give mouth-to-mouth?
Hands-only CPR — continuous chest compressions without breaths — is effective for adults and is far better than doing nothing.
When do I stop CPR?
When emergency help takes over, an AED tells you to stand clear, the person starts breathing normally, or you are physically unable to continue.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.