Every year, approximately 25,000 Australians experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. For every minute without CPR, the chance of survival decreases by about 10%. Yet with immediate bystander CPR, survival rates can double or even triple. This makes CPR one of the most valuable skills any person can learn. This guide will teach you the fundamentals of CPR and give you the confidence to act in an emergency.
What is CPR?
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It's an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions with rescue breaths to manually maintain blood circulation and oxygenation when a person's heart has stopped beating (cardiac arrest).
When the heart stops, blood flow to the brain and vital organs ceases. Brain damage can begin within 4-6 minutes. CPR acts as an artificial pump, circulating oxygenated blood until emergency medical services arrive and can restore the heart's normal rhythm, often using a defibrillator.
Recognising Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and without warning. Signs that someone is in cardiac arrest include:
- Sudden collapse
- Unresponsiveness when you tap their shoulders and shout
- No normal breathing (gasping or gurgling is not normal breathing)
- No pulse (though checking for a pulse can be unreliable under stress)
Act Immediately
If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, assume they are in cardiac arrest and begin CPR immediately. Do not waste time checking for a pulse—it's better to give CPR to someone who doesn't need it than to withhold it from someone who does.
Adult CPR: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps when performing CPR on an adult (anyone over puberty age):
Adult CPR Steps
- Check for danger: Ensure the scene is safe for you and the casualty
- Check for response: Tap their shoulders firmly and shout, "Can you hear me?"
- Call for help: If unresponsive, call 000 (or ask someone else to call) and request an ambulance. Put the phone on speaker so you can continue CPR while receiving instructions
- Open the airway: Place one hand on the forehead and gently tilt the head back while lifting the chin with your other hand
- Check for breathing: Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Occasional gasps are not normal breathing
- Begin chest compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest, place your other hand on top, and press down hard and fast
- Give rescue breaths: After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Pinch the nose, seal your mouth over theirs, and blow until the chest rises
- Continue CPR: Repeat cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives, the person starts breathing normally, or you are too exhausted to continue
Chest Compression Technique
Effective chest compressions are critical for successful CPR:
- Position: Place the heel of your hand on the centre of the chest, between the nipples
- Depth: Compress at least 5cm (about one-third of the chest depth)
- Rate: Aim for 100-120 compressions per minute (the tempo of the song "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees)
- Recoil: Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions—don't lean on the chest
- Minimise interruptions: Limit breaks in compressions to less than 10 seconds
Key Takeaway
Push hard and push fast. It's better to push too hard than not hard enough. Broken ribs can heal, but without effective compressions, the brain will be damaged. Keep going until help arrives—CPR is exhausting, so swap with another person every 2 minutes if possible.
Hands-Only CPR
If you are untrained in CPR, uncomfortable giving rescue breaths, or unable to give breaths for any reason, hands-only CPR is an acceptable and effective alternative for adults in cardiac arrest.
For hands-only CPR:
- Call 000
- Begin continuous chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute
- Continue without stopping until help arrives
Studies show that hands-only CPR is nearly as effective as conventional CPR for adults who collapse suddenly from cardiac causes. The key is to start immediately and not stop.
Child CPR (1-8 Years)
CPR for children follows the same general principles as adult CPR but with some modifications to account for their smaller size:
- Use one hand (or two hands for larger children) for chest compressions
- Compress about 5cm (one-third of chest depth)
- Give smaller rescue breaths—just enough to make the chest rise
- Use the same 30:2 compression to breath ratio
- If alone with a child in cardiac arrest, give 2 minutes of CPR before calling 000
Infant CPR (Under 1 Year)
Infant CPR requires a different technique due to their fragile bodies:
- Compressions: Use two fingers placed on the breastbone, just below the nipple line
- Depth: Compress about 4cm (one-third of chest depth)
- Rescue breaths: Cover both the mouth and nose with your mouth and give gentle puffs
- Head position: Keep the head in a neutral position—do not tilt back as far as for adults
- Give 2 minutes of CPR before calling 000 if you are alone
Using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
An AED is a portable device that can analyse the heart's rhythm and deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal heartbeat. AEDs are increasingly available in public places such as shopping centres, airports, sports facilities, and offices.
Using an AED is straightforward:
- Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts
- Expose the chest and attach the electrode pads as shown in the diagrams
- Ensure no one is touching the person while the AED analyses the rhythm
- If a shock is advised, ensure everyone stands clear and press the shock button
- Immediately resume CPR after the shock is delivered
- Continue following the AED prompts until emergency services arrive
You Cannot Harm Someone with an AED
AEDs are designed to be used by untrained bystanders. The device will only deliver a shock if it detects a heart rhythm that can be corrected. You cannot accidentally shock someone who doesn't need it. Don't be afraid to use an AED—it could save a life.
After CPR
If the person starts breathing normally, place them in the recovery position and monitor their breathing until emergency services arrive. Stay with them and be prepared to restart CPR if they stop breathing again.
Performing CPR can be emotionally challenging. It's normal to feel a range of emotions afterwards, including relief, anxiety, or distress. Consider speaking with a counsellor or support service if you find these feelings difficult to manage.
Get Trained
While this guide provides an overview of CPR technique, there is no substitute for hands-on training. We strongly recommend completing a certified first aid course that includes CPR practice on manikins. Organisations such as St John Ambulance, Australian Red Cross, and Royal Life Saving offer courses throughout Australia.
CPR certification should be renewed annually to keep your skills current and your confidence high. Many workplaces offer first aid training, or you can attend a community course.
Be Prepared to Save a Life
Consider adding a CPR face shield or pocket mask to your first aid kit. These devices make rescue breathing safer and easier. Browse our first aid kit range to find kits that include CPR equipment.