Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is an emergency procedure used when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. CPR uses chest compressions, with rescue breaths where possible, to help circulate oxygenated blood until an ambulance arrives or the person begins breathing normally.
Knowing what to do during the first few minutes of a cardiac emergency could make a life-saving difference. In Australia, the recommended approach can be remembered using the DRSABCD action plan.
Important: In a real emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately and follow the emergency call-taker’s instructions. This article provides general information and does not replace accredited, hands-on CPR training.
When Should You Start CPR?
Start CPR when a person is:
- Unresponsive
- Not breathing
- Not breathing normally
- Only gasping, grunting or taking occasional abnormal breaths
Occasional gasping is not considered normal breathing. When someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR as soon as possible.
Follow the DRSABCD Action Plan
D — Danger
Before approaching the person, check the area for danger.
Make sure it is safe for:
- You
- The injured or unwell person
- Other people nearby
Possible hazards may include traffic, electricity, fire, smoke, chemicals, broken glass or unstable structures.
Do not place yourself in danger while trying to help someone else.
R — Response
Check whether the person responds.
Speak loudly and ask a simple question such as:
“Can you hear me?”
You can also gently squeeze their shoulders. Do not shake the person aggressively.
When the person responds, keep them comfortable, assess what has happened and call for medical assistance when necessary.
When there is no response, continue with the DRSABCD action plan.
S — Send for Help
Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
When another person is nearby, ask them to make the call and bring an automated external defibrillator, or AED, while you remain with the person.
Place the phone on speaker so the emergency call-taker can guide you while you provide assistance. Do not leave the person alone merely to look for an AED.
A — Airway
Place the person on their back and open their mouth.
Check for an obvious blockage, such as:
- Food
- Vomit
- Blood
- Loose teeth
- Another visible object
Remove only an obstruction that you can clearly see and safely reach. Do not perform a blind finger sweep inside the person’s mouth.
Open the airway by gently tilting the head backwards and lifting the chin.
B — Breathing
Check for normal breathing.
Look for movement of the chest or abdomen, listen for breathing sounds and feel for air coming from the person’s mouth or nose.
Do not spend more than approximately 10 seconds checking their breathing.
When the person is breathing normally but remains unresponsive, place them in the recovery position and continue monitoring their breathing until help arrives.
When they are not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately.
C — Start CPR
Step 1: Position the Person
Place the person flat on their back on a firm surface.
Kneel beside their chest.
A soft bed or couch may reduce the effectiveness of chest compressions, so move the person to a firm surface when it is safe and practical to do so.
Step 2: Position Your Hands
Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone.
Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
Keep your fingers raised so that pressure is applied through the heel of your lower hand rather than over the ribs.
Step 3: Position Your Body
Place your shoulders directly above your hands.
Keep your arms straight and lock your elbows.
Use your upper-body weight to press vertically down rather than relying only on the strength of your arms.
Step 4: Give 30 Chest Compressions
Press down firmly and smoothly in the centre of the chest.
For an adult:
- Compress the chest by approximately one-third of its depth
- Aim for a compression rate of approximately 100–120 compressions per minute
- Allow the chest to fully return to its normal position after every compression
- Minimise interruptions
Complete 30 chest compressions.
How to Give Rescue Breaths
After 30 compressions, provide two rescue breaths when you are trained and willing to do so.
Step 1: Open the Airway
Place one hand on the person’s forehead and gently tilt their head backwards.
Use your other hand to lift the chin.
Step 2: Seal the Nose and Mouth
Pinch the soft part of the person’s nose closed.
Open their mouth and place your mouth over theirs, creating a complete seal.
Step 3: Give Two Breaths
Give one steady breath for approximately one second.
Watch for the person’s chest to rise.
Allow the chest to fall, then give a second breath.
Return immediately to chest compressions.
Continue with:
30 compressions followed by two breaths — 30:2.
ANZCOR recommends a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2 for all ages for general rescuers.
What if You Cannot Give Rescue Breaths?
When you are unable or unwilling to provide rescue breaths, continue performing uninterrupted chest compressions.
Chest compressions are the most important part of CPR. Compression-only CPR may still help maintain blood flow until an ambulance or another trained responder arrives.
Follow any instructions provided by the Triple Zero call-taker.
D — Use an AED
An AED is a portable device that assesses the heart rhythm and delivers an electrical shock when required.
Use an AED as soon as one becomes available.
To use it:
- Turn on the AED.
- Expose and dry the person’s chest when necessary.
- Attach the electrode pads as shown on the diagrams.
- Follow the spoken and visual instructions.
- Make sure no one is touching the person while the AED analyses the heart rhythm.
- Deliver a shock when directed.
- Resume CPR immediately when instructed.
Continue following the AED prompts until emergency services take over or the person begins breathing normally.
CPR for Children
For a child over one year of age, follow the same DRSABCD process.
Use one or two hands for chest compressions depending on the child’s size and your own strength. Press down by approximately one-third of the child’s chest depth and continue at a rate of approximately 100–120 compressions per minute.
Use the same cycle of:
30 compressions followed by two breaths.
Because children can vary greatly in size, completing practical CPR training is important for learning the safest hand position and compression technique.
CPR for Infants
CPR for an infant under one year of age requires a gentler technique.
Generally:
- Use two fingers for chest compressions
- Compress the centre of the chest by approximately one-third of its depth
- Cover the infant’s mouth and nose with your mouth when giving breaths
- Give gentle breaths only until the chest begins to rise
- Continue using a 30:2 compression-to-breath ratio
Infant CPR should be practised under the supervision of a qualified trainer because the technique differs from adult CPR.
When Should You Stop CPR?
Continue CPR until:
- The person begins responding or breathing normally
- A healthcare professional or paramedic takes over
- A healthcare professional instructs you to stop
- The situation becomes unsafe
- You become physically unable to continue
Do not stop CPR to repeatedly check for breathing or responsiveness. Interruptions to chest compressions should be kept to a minimum.
When more than one trained person is available, rescuers can take turns performing compressions to reduce fatigue while keeping interruptions brief.
Common CPR Mistakes to Avoid
Common mistakes include:
- Delaying the call to Triple Zero
- Mistaking gasping for normal breathing
- Performing compressions too slowly
- Giving shallow compressions
- Bending the elbows
- Leaning on the chest between compressions
- Frequently stopping to recheck the person
- Delaying the use of an available AED
- Giving rescue breaths that are too forceful
- Placing hands too high, too low or over the ribs
Hands-on practice with a CPR manikin helps participants develop the correct compression depth, rate, hand placement and body position.
Why CPR Training Is Important
Reading about CPR is useful, but practical training provides an opportunity to practise in a controlled environment.
During an accredited CPR course, participants can learn how to:
- Recognise when CPR is required
- Follow the DRSABCD action plan
- Perform effective chest compressions
- Give rescue breaths safely
- Use an AED
- Respond to adult, child and infant emergencies
- Work with other rescuers
- Manage an emergency with greater confidence
Regular refresher training is important because practical CPR skills can decline when they are not frequently used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CPR stand for?
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
What is the correct CPR ratio?
The recommended general compression-to-breath ratio is 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.
How fast should chest compressions be?
Chest compressions should be delivered at approximately 100–120 compressions per minute.
Should I perform CPR when someone is gasping?
Yes. Occasional gasping or abnormal breathing should not be mistaken for normal breathing. When the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call Triple Zero and begin CPR.
Can an untrained person perform CPR?
A bystander should follow the Triple Zero call-taker’s instructions. ANZCOR actively encourages bystander CPR, and all rescuers should provide chest compressions to a person who is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Can an AED be used by a member of the public?
AEDs are designed to provide step-by-step voice or visual instructions. Attach the device as soon as it is available and follow its prompts carefully.
Learn CPR with First Aid Support
Knowing CPR could help you respond when a family member, colleague, student or member of the community experiences a life-threatening emergency.
At First Aid Support, we deliver practical CPR and first aid training across Sydney and surrounding areas. Our training helps individuals, workplaces, childcare centres and community groups develop the confidence to respond when every second matters.
Book your CPR training with First Aid Support and learn practical life-saving skills in a supportive training environment.
