Emergency? Call 112 now. Dispatchers will guide you through these steps on the phone.
When the heart stops pumping effectively (cardiac arrest), the brain starts to be damaged within minutes. Chest compressions keep oxygen-rich blood moving until a defibrillator and paramedics arrive. Survival roughly doubles or triples when a bystander starts CPR immediately — and you do not need training to do hands-only CPR.
Recognise it: the person collapses, does not respond when you shout and tap their shoulders, and is not breathing normally (no breathing, or only gasping). Occasional gasps are not normal breathing — start CPR.
Hands-only CPR step by step
- Make sure the area is safe. Check for traffic, electricity, fire or other hazards before you approach.
- Check for response. Tap firmly on both shoulders and shout “Are you OK?”.
- Call your emergency number (112, 911, 999, 000 — whatever is local). Put the phone on speaker. Send someone to fetch the nearest AED. Dispatchers can coach you through every step.
- Position your hands. Kneel beside the person. Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest (lower half of the breastbone), the other hand on top, fingers interlaced.
- Push hard and fast. Keep arms straight, shoulders over hands. Press down about 5–6 cm (2–2.4 in) at 100–120 compressions per minute — the tempo of many familiar pop songs. Let the chest rise fully between pushes.
- Don't stop. Continue until an AED is ready, trained help takes over, the person starts breathing normally, or you are physically unable to continue. Swap with another rescuer every 2 minutes if possible.
- Use the AED as soon as it arrives. Switch it on and follow the voice prompts. Keep compressing while pads are applied; stand clear only when the machine says so.
Should I give rescue breaths?
If you are trained and willing, combine 30 compressions with 2 breaths. If you are untrained, or unwilling, compression-only CPR is strongly recommended for adults. For children, infants and drowning victims, rescue breaths matter more because their arrest is usually caused by lack of oxygen — learn the full technique in a certified course.
Using an AED (defibrillator)
AEDs are designed for untrained people. They analyse the heart rhythm and only deliver a shock if one is needed — you cannot accidentally shock someone who does not need it. Remove clothing from the chest, wipe away water or sweat, place the pads as pictured, and follow the spoken instructions. Many countries publish public AED maps; your dispatcher may tell you where the nearest one is.
Common mistakes
- Compressions that are too shallow or too slow — push harder than feels natural.
- Leaning on the chest between compressions so it can't recoil.
- Long pauses to check for a pulse. Interruptions should be under 10 seconds.
- Waiting for certainty. If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, start.
Practise the rhythm now: open our free CPR metronome — it beeps at 110 per minute and counts cycles of 30.
Watch: Hands-Only CPR instructional video
Video hosted on YouTube by its original publisher; embedded for education.
Last reviewed October 22, 2026 against current public guidance from national resuscitation councils and Red Cross / Red Crescent first-aid manuals. General education only — not a substitute for certified training or professional medical advice. Medical disclaimer · Suggest a correction