All first-aid topics

CPR

Unresponsive, not breathing normally

Their heart may have stopped. Chest compressions push blood and oxygen to the brain until help arrives. Every second counts.

Check for response

Tap their shoulder. Shout. If no response and no normal breathing, start compressions immediately.

Get someone to call 108

Point at a specific bystander and tell them to call 108 and bring an AED if there's one nearby.

Place your hands on the centre of the chest

Heel of one hand between the nipples. Other hand on top. Lock your elbows. Shoulders directly above your hands.

Push hard, push fast

Compress at least 5 cm deep (about 2 inches). 100–120 times per minute. Let the chest rise fully between pushes.

Don't stop

Continue compressions until they wake up, an AED arrives, or paramedics take over. Swap with someone every 2 minutes if you can.

If they wake up

Stop compressions. Roll them onto their side. Keep watching their breathing. Tell paramedics what you did.

These are short summaries, not training. Always call 108 in a life-threatening situation. If you've been trained in first-aid, follow your training.

Other guides

Call 108 — Ambulance