Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used when someone is not breathing normally and has no signs of circulation. In the UK, the recognised approach is based on the Resuscitation Council UK guidelines. The steps below outline what to do in an emergency, but you should always attend accredited training to practise these skills.
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Check for Danger
Before approaching the casualty, ensure the area is safe for you, the casualty and anyone nearby. Look out for traffic, electrical dangers, fire or anything else that could put you at risk. You should not begin CPR unless you can do so safely.
Check for Response
Gently shake the person’s shoulders and ask loudly, “Are you alright?” Look for any reaction such as movement, groaning or eye opening. If they do not respond, proceed to the next steps.
Open the Airway
Place one hand on their forehead and gently tilt their head back. Use two fingers from the other hand to lift the chin. This helps open the airway so you can check for normal breathing.
Check for Breathing
- Put your ear close to the person’s mouth and nose while looking at their chest. Do this for no more than 10 seconds.
- Normal breathing: steady, rhythmic breaths.
- Not breathing normally: gasping, irregular, or no breaths at all.
If the person is not breathing normally, treat it as cardiac arrest.
Call 999 Immediately
Call 999 yourself or ask someone nearby to do it. Put the phone on speaker mode if you’re alone so you can start CPR while talking to the call handler. They will guide you through the process.
Begin Chest Compressions
- Kneel beside the casualty. Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest (on the breastbone).
- Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
- Position yourself directly above their chest with straight arms.
- Push hard and fast at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute (roughly to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive”).
- Compress the chest 5–6 cm (about a third of the depth of the chest) with each push and allow it to fully recoil between compressions.
If you are not trained or feel unable to give rescue breaths, continue with compression-only CPR.
Rescue Breaths (If Trained and Willing)
- After 30 compressions, give 2 breaths:
- Maintain the head tilt and chin lift.
- Pinch the nose shut, seal your mouth over theirs, and blow for about one second.
- Watch for the chest to rise.
Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
Use an AED if Available
If an automated external defibrillator is available, turn it on and follow the spoken instructions. The device will analyse the heart rhythm and advise whether a shock is needed.
Continue Until Help Arrives
Keep performing CPR until:
- Emergency services arrive,
- The person shows signs of life, or
- You become too exhausted to continue.