These steps pertain only to an unconscious adult, which is a person 9 years or older. The steps vary slightly for victims of other ages. The chart below corresponds to the six steps we’ll outline.

1. Attempt to wake the victim. If you can hear the victim breathing, you should not perform CPR.
2. Begin chest compressions. Place the heel of your hand in the center of the victim’s chest (between the nipples.) Place your other hand on top of your first hand and interlock your fingers. Press down on the victim’s chest so it compresses at least 2″. Repeat the compressions at the rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. You can rapidly count 1, 2, 3, 4.Perform 30 chest compressions.
3. Open the victim’s airway. Lift the person’s chin with one hand while pushing down on the forehead with the other hand. Pinch the nose shut with your fingers.
4. Inhale and place your mouth over the victim’s mouth. Breath hard enough that the victim’s chest rises. The breath should take about one second. Perform TWO rescue breaths (one second each.)
5. Repeat the 30 chest compressions.
6. Repeat the two rescue breaths.

If the victim begins breathing, stop CPR and monitor the person until help arrives.

If the victim does not begin breathing, continue performing CPR until help arrives.

We also offer a free certificate of completion. To receive the certificate you must pass a 50-question test with a score of 70 or higher. Check our Basic First Aid Certificate of Completion page for more information.