A person suddenly collapses at work, in a gym, or at a family gathering. In that moment, knowing how to perform adult CPR can help you move from panic to purposeful action. You do not need to diagnose the cause of the collapse. Your job is to recognize an emergency, call for help, start chest compressions, and use an AED as soon as one is available.
CPR is a skill best learned and practiced in a hands-on class. The steps below offer practical guidance for an adult who is unresponsive and not breathing normally, but they are not a substitute for recognized CPR training.
First, Check the Scene and the Person
Before approaching, look for immediate dangers such as traffic, fire, exposed electrical hazards, violence, or an unstable structure. Do not become a second victim. If the area is safe, approach the person and tap their shoulders firmly while speaking loudly: “Are you okay?”
If the person does not respond, quickly check whether they are breathing normally. Look for chest movement and listen for normal breaths for no more than 10 seconds. Occasional gasps, snorting, or irregular breaths are not normal breathing. These agonal gasps can happen during cardiac arrest and should not be mistaken for a sign that the person is okay.
For most community responders, do not spend time trying to find a pulse. If an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally, treat it as a cardiac emergency and begin CPR.
Call 911 and Send Someone for an AED
Call 911 immediately, or point to a specific person and give a clear instruction: “You in the blue shirt, call 911 and come back.” If another person is nearby, ask them to get the nearest automated external defibrillator, or AED.
Specific directions matter. A general request for help can lead to hesitation because everyone assumes someone else has acted. If you are alone with the person, call 911 on speakerphone if possible, then begin CPR. The dispatcher can guide you while you work.
An AED is designed for everyday bystanders. It checks the heart rhythm and, when appropriate, delivers a shock that may help restore a survivable rhythm. CPR keeps blood moving until emergency responders arrive and the AED can be used.
How to Perform Adult CPR With Chest Compressions
Place the person flat on their back on a firm surface. Kneel beside their chest. Put the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone. Place your other hand on top and interlace your fingers or keep them raised so they do not press on the ribs.
Position your shoulders directly over your hands. Keep your arms straight and press hard and fast. For an adult, push the chest down at least 2 inches, but avoid going deeper than 2.4 inches. Let the chest come all the way back up after every compression. Full recoil allows the heart to refill with blood.
Aim for a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. A steady rhythm, similar to the beat of many familiar upbeat songs, can help, but do not waste time searching for music. Count out loud if it helps you maintain pace and stay focused.
High-quality compressions have three priorities: adequate depth, a consistent rate, and minimal interruptions. Do not lean on the chest between compressions, and avoid stopping except when using the AED, giving breaths, switching rescuers, or when the person begins showing clear signs of life.
If another trained person is present, switch compressors about every two minutes. CPR is physically demanding, and compression quality can decline before a rescuer realizes they are tired. Make the switch quickly, with as little pause as possible.
Add Rescue Breaths if You Are Trained and Able
For adults, trained rescuers generally provide 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. After 30 compressions, open the airway using a head-tilt, chin-lift. Pinch the person’s nose shut, make a complete seal over their mouth, and give one breath over about one second. Watch for the chest to rise, then give a second breath.
Return immediately to chest compressions. Try to keep the pause for breaths under 10 seconds.
If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and try again. Do not repeatedly stop compressions to search the mouth or attempt blind finger sweeps. If you can see an object blocking the mouth, remove it carefully. Otherwise, continue CPR and follow dispatcher instructions.
Hands-only CPR is appropriate if you are not trained in rescue breaths, do not have a barrier device, or are unwilling or unable to give breaths. Continuous chest compressions are far better than waiting or doing nothing. Rescue breaths can be particularly valuable in certain emergencies, including drowning, overdose, or a breathing-related collapse, which is one reason formal training matters.
Use the AED as Soon as It Arrives
Do not delay AED use to finish a long cycle of CPR. Turn the AED on as soon as it arrives and follow its voice prompts. Most devices give simple, direct instructions.
Expose the person’s chest and apply the pads exactly as shown in the diagram on the pads. One pad typically goes on the upper right side of the chest, below the collarbone. The other goes on the lower left side of the chest, below the armpit. If the chest is wet, dry it quickly. If medication patches are in the way, remove them with a gloved hand if available and wipe the area before placing the pad. For a very hairy chest, apply the pads firmly; if they will not stick, use a spare pad to remove hair quickly if one is available.
When the AED says it is analyzing, make sure no one is touching the person. Say clearly, “Clear,” and visually check that everyone has moved away. If a shock is advised, ensure everyone remains clear before pressing the shock button if the device requires you to do so.
Immediately resume CPR after a shock. If the AED says no shock is advised, resume CPR right away. A no-shock message does not mean the person is fine. Continue following the AED prompts until emergency responders take over or the person begins breathing normally and showing signs of responsiveness.
What to Do if the Person Starts Breathing
If the person begins breathing normally, moving purposefully, or responding, stop compressions and monitor them closely. If they are unconscious but breathing normally, place them on their side in a recovery position if you can do so safely. Keep the airway open, watch for changes, and be ready to restart CPR if normal breathing stops.
Do not give food, water, or medication to a person recovering from a collapse unless instructed by a medical professional. Even if they say they feel better, they need evaluation by emergency responders.
Common Mistakes That Slow Down Care
People often hesitate because they are afraid of doing CPR incorrectly or hurting the person. In a suspected cardiac arrest, the greater risk is failing to act. Chest compressions can cause rib injuries, especially in older adults, but restoring circulation is the priority.
Another common mistake is waiting too long for certainty. You are not expected to determine the exact medical diagnosis. An unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally needs emergency help now.
Avoid frequent or lengthy pauses. Do not stop repeatedly to check for a pulse, watch for improvement, or wait for an AED. Keep compressions going whenever the AED is not actively analyzing or delivering a shock.
Training Builds the Confidence a Video Cannot
Reading the steps is a valuable start, but CPR depends on physical technique: hand placement, depth, pace, recoil, ventilation, and rapid AED use. Practicing on a manikin with an experienced instructor helps make those actions more automatic when stress is high.
For healthcare professionals, BLS training addresses team-based response, ventilation techniques, and clinical responsibilities. Teachers, coaches, workplace teams, and community members may need CPR AED or First Aid CPR AED training based on their role. Be cautious with online-only programs that do not include the hands-on skills evaluation required by many employers and organizations.
Richmond Training Concepts provides recognized AHA and HSI training led by instructors with real emergency services experience, helping individuals and organizations build practical confidence without making the learning environment intimidating.
The goal is not to perform perfectly. It is to recognize the emergency, call 911, start compressions, use the AED, and keep going. A few minutes of prepared action can give someone their best chance to reach professional care.