Proper CPR Techniques
When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, immediate action can make a critical difference. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) helps maintain blood circulation when the heart stops pumping effectively. Understanding proper CPR techniques can help individuals provide essential assistance while waiting for emergency medical services.
Effective CPR requires correct hand placement, compression depth, compression rate, and minimal interruptions. When combined with early automated external defibrillator (AED) use, high-quality CPR can improve the chances of survival.
Whether responding at home, in public, or at work, knowing how to perform CPR correctly is an essential emergency preparedness skill.
What Are Proper CPR Techniques?
Proper CPR techniques are established methods used to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation during cardiac arrest.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), effective adult CPR includes:
- Compression rate: 100–120 compressions per minute.
- Compression depth: At least 2 inches (5 cm), avoiding depths greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
- Hand placement: Center of the chest, over the lower half of the breastbone.
- Chest recoil: Allow complete chest recoil between compressions.
- Minimal interruptions: Maintain consistent compressions whenever possible.
- Rescue breathing: Provide breaths when appropriate and consistent with the responder’s training.
These techniques help maintain circulation until advanced medical care becomes available.
How to Perform CPR Correctly: Step-by-Step
Recognizing cardiac arrest and beginning CPR promptly are essential. The following steps outline proper CPR techniques for adults.
Step 1: Check Responsiveness and Breathing
Before approaching, quickly assess the scene for hazards such as moving equipment, electrical dangers, or traffic.
Tap the person’s shoulders and shout to check responsiveness. If the individual is unresponsive and not breathing normally, including only gasping, assume cardiac arrest.
Lay rescuers should not delay CPR to check for a pulse.
Step 2: Call 911 and Request an AED
Immediately call 911 or direct someone nearby to contact emergency services. Ask another person to retrieve an AED if available.
If alone, use your phone’s speaker function so the emergency dispatcher can provide instructions while you begin CPR.
Step 3: Position Your Hands Correctly
Place the individual on their back on a firm, flat surface when feasible.
Kneel beside their chest and position the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, over the lower half of the breastbone. Place your other hand directly on top.
Keep your arms straight and shoulders positioned above your hands. Use your upper body weight to perform compressions.
Step 4: Perform Effective Chest Compressions
Push hard and fast at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
For an average adult, compress the chest at least 2 inches deep while avoiding depths greater than 2.4 inches.
Allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression without removing your hands.
Avoid unnecessary interruptions. When multiple trained responders are available, switching approximately every two minutes can help prevent fatigue.
Step 5: Provide Rescue Breaths When Appropriate
Trained responders performing conventional adult CPR generally use a ratio of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.
Open the airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift technique when appropriate. Deliver each breath over approximately one second, providing enough air to produce visible chest rise.
Immediately resume compressions after the second breath.
Untrained bystanders who witness a teen or adult suddenly collapse should perform Hands-Only CPR when they cannot provide conventional CPR.
Step 6: Use an AED as Soon as Available
An automated external defibrillator analyzes heart rhythm and delivers an electrical shock when indicated.
Turn on the AED and follow its instructions. Attach the electrode pads to the person’s exposed chest according to the diagrams.
Ensure nobody touches the individual during rhythm analysis or shock delivery.
Immediately resume CPR when instructed by the AED, regardless of whether a shock was delivered.
CPR and AED use work together to support an effective cardiac arrest response.
Hands-Only CPR vs. Conventional CPR
There are two primary approaches to CPR.
Hands-Only CPR involves continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths. It is recommended for untrained bystanders witnessing the sudden collapse of a teen or adult.
Conventional CPR combines chest compressions with rescue breaths. Trained adult responders generally use a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio.
Conventional CPR is especially important when oxygen deprivation contributes to cardiac arrest, including drowning-related emergencies. CPR procedures for infants and children also differ from adult techniques.
Common CPR Mistakes to Avoid
Even trained responders can struggle to maintain proper CPR techniques during stressful emergencies.
Common mistakes include:
- Incorrect compression depth: Compressions that are too shallow may not circulate enough blood.
- Improper compression rate: Performing compressions too quickly or slowly reduces effectiveness.
- Incomplete chest recoil: Leaning on the chest between compressions can interfere with circulation.
- Frequent interruptions: Unnecessary pauses reduce continuous blood flow.
- Delaying CPR: Waiting for emergency responders instead of beginning CPR immediately can reduce survival chances.
Hands-on practice with CPR training manikins helps participants develop proper techniques and improve response confidence.
Why CPR Training Matters in the Workplace
Sudden cardiac arrest can occur in offices, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, schools, construction sites, and other workplaces.
Employees may be the first people available to respond before emergency medical services arrive.
Professional CPR and AED training helps employees recognize cardiac arrest, perform effective chest compressions, operate an AED, and activate emergency response procedures.
For employers, CPR training supports workplace preparedness and strengthens emergency action planning.
Firefighter Safe provides practical CPR, AED, and First Aid training led by experienced firefighter and paramedic professionals. Our hands-on instruction prepares participants to apply essential skills during real-world emergencies.
CPR / AED / FIRST AID TRAINING
What is covered in the Firefighter Safe CPR / AED / First Aid Training?
CPR, AED, and Basic First Aid combination training, teaches students comprehensive knowledge and skills that build the confidence to respond to emergencies. This first aid, AED, and CPR certification course option is an excellent choice for both the community and workplace setting, and conforms to the 2015 AHA Guidelines Update for CPR and ECC, and the 2015 AHA and ARC Guidelines Update for First Aid.
*** Individual CPR / AED and First Aid training is available once per month at our community class ***