Updated July 2026 // This article is based on current American Red Cross guidelines.
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can save a life during cardiac arrest by keeping blood flowing to the brain and vital organs when the heart stops beating effectively. However, even if you have taken a class, remembering the exact steps in a high-stress emergency can be a challenge.
How fast should your compressions be? How deep should you push? How often should you give rescue breaths? These details are critical to delivering high-quality CPR when the time comes. To ensure you are prepared to act, review the essential steps below.
The 7 Steps of Adult CPR
1. Check the scene and the person:
Ensure personal safety first.
Before rushing in, check the scene for safety and form an initial impression. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) if you have it available.
2. Check for responsiveness:
If the person appears unresponsive, check for breathing, life-threatening bleeding, or other severe conditions. Use the “shout-tap-shout” method to see if you can wake them.
3. Call 9-1-1:
Get an AED on the way.
If the person does not respond and is not breathing (or is only gasping), call 9-1-1 immediately and get an AED and first aid kit, or point to a specific bystander and tell them to do so.
4. Position the person:
Kneel beside them. Carefully place the person flat on their back on a firm, flat surface.
5. Begin chest compressions:
30 compressions at a time.
Place two hands centered on the chest, with your shoulders directly over your hands and elbows locked. Compress the chest at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to fully return to its normal position after each push.
6. Give 2 rescue breaths:
Open the airway using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique. Pinch the nose shut, take a normal breath, and make a complete seal over their mouth with yours. Give a breath lasting up to 1 second. Stop blowing once you achieve a visible rise of the chest. Pause long enough to inhale your next breath then give the second breath.
7. Repeat the cycle:
Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths. Minimize any interruptions to chest compressions to less than 10 seconds. Use an AED as soon as one becomes available.
When to Use Hands-Only (Compression-Only) CPR
If you are untrained in CPR, or are trained but feel uncomfortable delivering rescue breaths, you can perform Hands-Only CPR. This involves calling 9-1-1 and providing continuous, uninterrupted chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute until help arrives.
According to the American Red Cross, Hands-Only CPR is highly effective and appropriate for teens and adults who suddenly collapse. When an adult experiences sudden cardiac arrest, their blood and lungs often still contain enough oxygen to keep their vital organs alive for a few minutes—as long as chest compressions are rapidly pumping that blood through the body.
When NOT to use Hands-Only CPR:
Hands-Only CPR is not recommended for infants or children. It is also not recommended for anyone whose cardiac arrest is caused by a breathing emergency (such as drowning, choking, asthma, or an overdose). In these situations, the body’s oxygen stores are already depleted, meaning conventional CPR (compressions combined with rescue breaths) is critical for survival.
The Best Preparation is Hands-On Training
While reviewing these steps is a great start, reading an article cannot replace the muscle memory and confidence gained from an in-person class. During a real cardiac emergency, panic can easily take over—but hands-on training ensures your reflexes kick in if your brain freezes.
For businesses in Northern California, Safety Training Pros provides comprehensive workplace CPR training in Sacramento and surrounding communities. Whether you need to meet compliance requirements for a small office or manage a large-scale corporate safety program, our instructors bring life-saving skills directly to your team.
Explore our corporate training programs and get certified today.