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In an emergency where an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally, the first step is to confirm the scene is safe and assess responsiveness. Call for help immediately, activating emergency medical services or the local number designated for emergencies. If you are not alone, instruct someone to fetch an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available. While waiting for help, begin CPR with high-quality chest compressions. Position the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, place the other hand on top, and keep arms straight. Compress at a depth of about two inches.

After confirming unresponsiveness and summoning aid, prepare for compressions and rescue breaths in cycles. For adults, deliver cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Ensure compressions are smooth, rapid, and at a rate around 100 to 120 per minute, allowing full chest recoil between pushes. Minimize interruptions; if you notice chest rise during rescue breaths, pause briefly to readjust, then resume compressions. If an AED arrives, turn it on and follow the prompts. Early defibrillation dramatically improves outcomes, so every second counts when a shockable rhythm is detected.

Start by verifying the victim’s return of responsiveness, breathing, and pulse only when you have adequate medical training to do so. In the field, assume cardiac arrest until proven otherwise and begin chest compressions immediately. Place your hands with the heel of one hand on the sternum, interlock your fingers, and keep your elbows locked to transfer energy efficiently from your shoulders. Use the weight of your upper body, not just your arms, to drive compressions. Allow full recoil after each press to maximize blood flow. If fatigue sets in, switch with a trained responder every two minutes.

The rescue breaths portion requires careful technique to avoid hyperventilation or insufficient oxygen delivery. Tilt the victim’s head back slightly to open the airway and lift the chin. Pinch the nose shut and create a sealed mouth-to-mouth seal with your lips. Give two breaths, each lasting about one second, watching for the chest to rise. If the chest does not rise, recheck head position and seal, then attempt another breath. Maintain continuous compressions during this sequence and resume the standard 30:2 ratio as soon as possible.

In real emergencies, the location of the scene matters, as environmental factors can influence performance. Remove clutter from the chest area to ensure unobstructed compressions and maintain a stable, flat surface under the back. If the person is wearing bulky clothing, consider loosening or removing it to improve compression efficiency. For rescuers trained in airway management, maintaining a neutral airway without unnecessary pauses is essential. Monitor the person’s level of consciousness, respiration, and any signs of improvement, and be prepared to transition to advanced life support as soon as professionals arrive.

When fatigue becomes a barrier, changing the compressor position is crucial to sustain effective chest recoil and rhythm. Rotate roles between responders at short intervals, ideally every two minutes, to reduce fatigue and maintain compression depth. Ensure you maintain a consistent compression depth of about two inches for adults and avoid leaning on the chest between pushes, which reduces perfusion. If you witness any movement or signs of life, reassess the situation promptly, but do not interrupt compressions for non-critical checks. Clear communication within the rescue team remains a cornerstone of successful resuscitation.

The AED is a lifesaving device designed to analyze heart rhythm and deliver a shock if needed. When it arrives, power on the unit and follow its spoken or visual prompts. Expose the victim’s chest and attach the adhesive pads in the recommended positions, typically one pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left chest. If the pads risk touching each other or other objects like jewelry, reposition accordingly. Do not place pads over a pregnant uterus or a medication patch unless instructed by the device. Stand clear during analysis and shock delivery.

After the AED analyzes the rhythm and a shock is advised, ensure everyone remains clear of the patient, then deliver the shock as directed. Immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions, even if a brief pause was required for shock administration. The cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths continues until spontaneous circulation returns, an advanced life support provider takes over, the scene becomes unsafe, or the victim shows obvious signs of life such as movement or coughing. Continuous, uninterrupted effort markedly improves survival odds.

Avoid shallow chest compressions, which fail to push blood effectively to vital organs. Ensuring complete chest recoil after each compression is essential to maximize venous return and coronary perfusion. Do not lean on the chest between compressions; instead, promptly resume the next compression. If you cannot deliver rescue breaths, continue hands-only CPR, focusing on maintaining a consistent compression rate and depth until help arrives. Training programs emphasize hands-on practice with feedback to help responders refine technique and sustain confidence under stress.

For bystanders with limited training, prioritizing compressions can still make a critical difference. Call for help, start compressions, and apply an AED as soon as one is available. Even improvised mouth-to-mouth can be used if trained, but if hesitation or fear blocks, do not delay chest compressions while seeking permission or practicing the rescue breaths. The main objective is to maintain circulation to vital organs while awaiting professional help. With practice, bystanders can perform CPR more decisively and safely.

Regular training in CPR equips bystanders with muscle memory, enabling rapid, precise action during emergencies. Courses often include practice on mannequins that simulate realistic chest resistance and timing. Learning to recognize the signs of a shockable rhythm and to operate an AED under pressure builds assurance. Aftercare is necessary for rescuers as well; debriefing, hydration, and rest help mitigate physical and emotional strain. If you pause to reflect, you reinforce the willingness to act in future emergencies, creating a safer community for everyone.

In summary, performing CPR on an adult involves a coordinated sequence of chest compressions and rescue breaths, integrated with AED use when available. Maintaining correct technique, minimizing interruptions, and protecting the scene are all critical. Training and repeated practice improve outcomes by enhancing rhythm, depth, and airway management. Remember, even non-professionals can significantly influence survival odds by acting promptly and confidently. With ongoing education and community support, more lives can be saved through effective, timely intervention in the crucial minutes after cardiac arrest.