What are the steps for performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) on an unresponsive person?

Steps for Performing CPR on an Unresponsive Person

All rescuers should immediately begin chest compressions for victims of cardiac arrest, as CPR is the single-most important intervention for improving survival outcomes. 1

Initial Assessment and Emergency Response

1. Ensure scene safety before approaching the victim

2. Check responsiveness by tapping the victim's shoulder and shouting "Are you all right?"

3. Activate emergency response system:

   • If alone, call 911 (or local emergency number) first for adults with sudden collapse
   • Shout for nearby help if available
   • Get an AED if one is available nearby

4. Check for breathing and pulse simultaneously (take no more than 10 seconds)

   • Look for normal breathing (not gasping)
   • Check carotid pulse in adults (brachial pulse in infants)
   • If no normal breathing and no definite pulse within 10 seconds, begin CPR 1, 2

Chest Compressions

1. Position the victim supine on a firm, flat surface

2. Position yourself properly:

   • Kneel beside the victim's chest
   • Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (lower half of sternum)
   • Place your other hand on top of the first
   • Keep your arms straight with shoulders directly over hands 3

3. Perform high-quality compressions:

   • Rate: At least 100-120 compressions per minute
   • Depth: At least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults
   • Allow complete chest recoil after each compression
   • Minimize interruptions in compressions 1, 2

Rescue Breathing

For trained rescuers:

1. After 30 compressions, open the airway using head-tilt chin-lift
2. Pinch the nose closed and create a seal over the mouth
3. Give 2 breaths (1 second per breath)
4. Watch for chest rise with each breath
5. Continue cycles of 30 compressions to 2 breaths 1

For untrained rescuers:

• Perform hands-only CPR (compression-only) if not trained or not confident in providing rescue breaths 2, 4

Using an AED (If Available)

1. Turn on the AED
2. Attach pads to the victim's bare chest as shown in the diagram
3. Allow the AED to analyze the rhythm
4. If shock advised:
   • Ensure no one is touching the victim
   • Press the shock button when prompted
   • Immediately resume CPR starting with compressions for 2 minutes 1
5. If no shock advised:
   • Immediately resume CPR starting with compressions for 2 minutes 1

Continue CPR

• Continue cycles of compressions and breaths (or compressions only if untrained)
• Minimize interruptions in chest compressions
• If multiple rescuers are available, rotate the person doing compressions every 2 minutes to prevent fatigue and maintain high-quality compressions 3
• Continue until:
  • Emergency medical services arrive and take over
  • The victim shows signs of life (movement, normal breathing)
  • An AED is ready to analyze the heart rhythm
  • You are too exhausted to continue 1, 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Delaying CPR: Don't waste time checking for a pulse if you're unsure - begin compressions if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally 1, 2
• Inadequate compression depth: Push hard - at least 2 inches for adults 1
• Slow compression rate: Maintain a rate of at least 100-120 compressions per minute 1
• Incomplete chest recoil: Allow the chest to fully return to its normal position between compressions 1
• Excessive interruptions: Minimize pauses in chest compressions 1
• Misinterpreting agonal gasps as normal breathing (these are irregular gasps that can occur during cardiac arrest) 2

Remember that even if you're not trained in CPR, providing chest compressions alone (hands-only CPR) can still be effective and is better than doing nothing 4, 5. The most important action is to act quickly, as every minute without CPR decreases survival chances significantly 2.