CPR and Rescue Breathing for Adults (Ages 12 and older)
1. Check for consciousness.
a. Gently tap the shoulder and shout.
No Response
2. Call 911.
3. Check for breathing.
a. If the adult is lying on his stomach, turn him over onto his back.
b. Tilt the adult's head back using the palm of one hand on the forehead. At the same time, lift up on the adult's chin with two fingers of your other hand.
c. Put your ear close to the adult's nose and mouth and watch his chest for any movement. Look, listen and feel for breathing no more than 10 seconds.
No Breathing
a. Keep the head tilted back, pinch the adult's nose and place your mouth over his.
b. Give 2 slow, gentle breaths--just enough to make the chest rise.
Breaths Go In
Check for Breathing and a Pulse:
a. Check for a pulse by sliding your two fingers into the groove on the side of the adult's neck as you check for signs of life no more than 10 seconds.
Pulse But No Breathing
Begin Rescue Breathing:
a. Tilt the head back. Lift the chin. Pinch the nose. Breathe slowly and gently into the adult. Give 1 breath every 5 seconds (count 1-1000, 2-1000, 3-1000, 4-1000, breathe, etc.).
b. Recheck for signs of life every 2 minutes.
No Pulse, No Breathing
Begin CPR:
a. Position the heel of one hand on the center of the chest. Place the other hand on top of the other hand.
b. With elbows locked and straight, compress the chest 2 inches in depth 30 times. Give 2 breaths. Continue with 30 compressions/2 breaths, 30 compressions/2 breaths, until:
Continue CPR until you see signs of life, another rescuer takes over for you or help arrives.
(Please note you no longer check the pulse once you start CPR.)
If you are alone, call 911 first before providing care.
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Rev. 12/06
