Top 7 Best Steps Of CPR
Table of Contents
When many people think of CPR steps, they’re only thinking about chest compressions and rescue breaths, but there are actually a lot more than that. Knowing the full range of CPR steps gives you the best hope at giving someone else the biggest chance at surviving an emergency that requires CPR.
Recognising the Signs: When to Start CPR
CPR steps are needed when the heart, the lungs, or both stop doing their job. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart stops pumping blood around the body; it can be caused by drowning, electrocution, a drug overdose, a severe blow to the chest, or a sudden drop in blood pressure. Respiratory arrest is when breathing stops while the heart is still beating; it can result from a blocked airway, a drug overdose, near-drowning before the heart stops, a severe asthma attack, a stroke, or a serious infection affecting the lungs.
When warning signs appear in the minutes or hours before either event, they may include chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, heart palpitations, sudden fatigue, nausea, or fainting. A person in respiratory distress may be visibly struggling to breathe, breathing very slowly, making high-pitched or noisy sounds when inhaling, or showing a bluish tinge around the lips or fingertips from low oxygen. Once a person has collapsed, this is the final and most serious sign that you need to begin the CPR steps immediately.
Step 1: Check for Danger
Your own safety takes priority over performing the CPR steps on the person in need. Only approach if the scene is safe. Scan the area for dangers such as:
- Electrical hazards such as downed power lines or live equipment
- Moving traffic
- Fire or smoke
- Unstable structures
- Gas leaks or chemical spills
Do not approach the person if the scene is unsafe, you can’t help them if you become a casualty too. If it is safe to do so, move the person away from the danger before starting the rest of the CPR steps.
Step 2: Check for a Response
Checking for a response confirms whether the person is conscious. Kneel beside them and call their name or ask “Are you okay?” while firmly tapping their shoulders. Look for any reaction: opening eyes, movement, or sounds. If they respond, they are conscious and do not need CPR.
Step 3: Send for Help
Call 000 immediately, or direct someone else to call while you continue the CPR steps. Tell the operator where you are, what has happened, and whether the person is breathing. The 000 operator can give you real-time instructions while paramedics are on the way.
If there is an AED nearby, send someone to retrieve it while you stay with the person.
Step 4: Check the Airway
An obstructed airway prevents air from reaching the lungs during the CPR steps for 2 breaths. Check that their airway is clear by:
- Placing one hand on the person’s forehead.
- Placing two fingers of your other hand under the tip of their chin.
- Gently tilting their head back and lifting their chin upward. This moves the tongue away from the back of the throat.
- Look inside their mouth for any visible obstruction such as food or vomit.
- Remove any obstruction you can clearly see. Do not put your finger into the mouth to sweep for something you cannot see, as this can push objects further down.
Step 5: Check for Normal Breathing
With the airway clear, look, listen, and feel for:
- The rise and fall of the chest.
- The sound of breath.
- Air movement from their nose or mouth.
If they are breathing normally, place them in the recovery position by bending their near arm out at a right angle with their palm facing up. Bring their far arm across their chest and hold the back of their hand against their near cheek. Bend their far knee so the foot is flat on the floor, then roll them gently toward you onto their side. Tilt their head back slightly to keep the airway open.
If the person isn’t breathing then it is time to begin the main CPR steps.
Step 6: Begin Chest Compressions
To get into position:
- Lay the person flat on their back on a firm surface.
- Kneel beside their chest.
- Place the heel of one hand on the centre of their chest, on the lower half of the breastbone. This is the flat bone that runs down the middle of the chest.
- Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
- Straighten your arms and position your shoulders directly above your hands.
- Using your body weight rather than just your arm strength, press straight down on the chest.
- Compress to a depth of about 5 to 6 centimetres.
- Release the pressure fully so the chest returns to its original position.
- Repeat at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, which is roughly 2 compressions every second.
- After 30 compressions, move on to rescue breaths.
Step 7: Give Rescue Breaths
After every 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths:
- Place one hand on the person’s forehead and tilt their head back.
- Lift their chin with two fingers placed under the chin.
- Pinch the soft part of their nose closed with your index finger and thumb.
- Take a normal breath and seal your lips fully around their mouth.
- Blow steadily into their mouth for about one second and watch for the chest to rise.
- Remove your mouth and watch for the chest to fall.
- Take another breath and repeat steps 3 to 6 for the second rescue breath.
If the chest does not rise during a rescue breath, recheck the head position and look for any visible obstruction in the mouth.
Step 8: Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) If Needed
AEDs are built for use by anyone. Once turned on, the device gives spoken instructions throughout the process. The heart’s rhythm is analysed by the AED, and the device determines whether a shock is needed. If an AED is available:
- Turn the AED on and follow its voice prompts.
- Remove all clothing from the person’s chest. Dry the skin if it is wet.
- Attach the adhesive pads to the bare chest in the positions shown on the pads or on the device.
- Make sure no one is touching the person while the AED analyses the rhythm.
- If the AED advises a shock, call out “stand clear” and confirm visually that no one is in contact with the person before pressing the shock button.
- After the shock is delivered, immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions.
Step 9: Don't Stop CPR Until Help Arrives
After each cycle of rescue breathes, or shocks if using an AED, restart this cycle over with 3 chest compressions. Continue these CPR steps until one of the following happens:
- Paramedics arrive and take over.
- The person begins to breathe normally on their own.
- A doctor or paramedic tells you to stop.
- You are physically unable to continue.
If you become too tired to keep going, ask a bystander to take over. When switching, position the next person’s hands before you remove yours.
Learn How to Perform CPR
The CPR steps are easy to remember using the DRSABCD mnemonic: Danger, Response, Safety, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation. But an even easier way to remember them is by building the muscle memory you can only get through hands-on practice. CPR training converts these steps into something your body remembers under pressure. Practising with a mannequin and receiving feedback from a trainer is what builds that physical memory. Your decision to enrol in CPR training may one day be the reason someone survives.
FAQs
When Should You Not Use an AED?
Do not use an AED if the person is conscious, responsive, and breathing, as they are not in cardiac arrest and the device cannot help them. If the person is in or near water, move them to a dry surface and dry their chest before attaching the pads. Children under the age of one year old require specific adjustments that should only be made by someone with professional medical training like a paramedic.
How is CPR Different for Kids?
For children over the age of 1, CPR steps remain largely the same. The most critical differences are for children under one year old. For babies, do not perform a headtilt to open their airway, only press in 4cm compared to 3 centimetres, rescue breaths should be gentle puffs rather than full breaths, and an AED should not be used by anyone other than a professionally trained responder.
When is it Okay to Use Just Mouth-to-Mouth CPR?
Almost never. There are few instances where this is the preferred method, and these can only be assessed by a medical professional.
