CPR and Rescue Breathing for Adults (Ages 12 and Older)
You Arrive on the Scene
Check the scene for safety. Check the person for consciousness. Gently tap their shoulder and shout.
No Response
Call 911 immediately.
If the adult is on their stomach, turn them over onto their back. They should be lying on a hard flat surface.
Check for Breathing and Signs of Life
Watch their chest for any normal movement. Look for signs of life and breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
No Breathing or Signs of Life
Begin CPR
- Position the heel of one hand on the center of the adult’s chest. Place your other hand on top.
- With your elbows locked and arms straight, lean over the adult and compress the chest two inches in depth 30 times at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- After 30 compressions, give breaths by tilting the head back, lifting the chin and pinching the nose. Give two slow and gentle breaths. The chest should rise with each breath.
- Continue with 30 compressions / two breaths, 30 compressions / two breaths, etc.
Continue CPR until another rescuer takes over, you see signs of life or help arrives.
Education Opportunities
The Center for Simulation and Research at Cincinnati Children’s offers CPR classes for patient families.
Call 513-636-1096 for more information or to sign up for a class.
