How to Perform CPR Step-by-Step

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What is CPR and why should you do it?

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a lifesaving emergency procedure performed when a person stops breathing or their heart ceases to beat effectively. This can happen during cardiac arrest, choking, drowning, or severe trauma. The goal of CPR is to manually keep oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until advanced medical help can take over. Without CPR, brain cells begin to die within minutes, reducing survival chances and increasing risk of permanent damage.

Performing CPR can double or even triple a victim's chance of survival. It is a critical skill for bystanders, caregivers, or anyone in the community to learn. Even if you are not a healthcare professional, you can save a life by taking immediate action. CPR is a temporary measure and not a treatment, so calling for emergency medical services (EMS) immediately is vital. Understanding why CPR matters helps motivate you to learn and act confidently.

Remember, the quicker you start CPR, the better the outcome. Delays reduce its effectiveness because tissues begin to suffer from lack of oxygen. CPR helps “buy time” by manually circulating blood, keeping organs alive and improving the chance that advanced care will succeed. This is why knowing how and when to perform CPR is important for everyone.

What do you need before starting CPR?

Before starting CPR, a few things must be considered to ensure safety and effectiveness:

• Ensure the scene is safe: Quickly scan the environment for dangers like traffic, fire, or electrical hazards. You cannot help if you become a victim yourself.
• Check responsiveness: Gently shake the person’s shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?” If the person doesn’t respond, this indicates the need for CPR.
• Check breathing: Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Occasional gasping is not normal breathing and requires CPR.
• Call for emergency help: If you are alone, call 911 before starting CPR. If others are nearby, ask someone to call for help while you begin CPR.
• Gather supplies if available: An automated external defibrillator (AED) and a face shield or mask with a one-way valve for rescue breaths are helpful but not required to start CPR.
• Personal protection: If you have disposable gloves or a mask, use them to reduce infection risk. However, do not delay CPR waiting for protective equipment.

If there are bystanders, assign roles such as calling 911, retrieving an AED, or crowd control to maximize response effectiveness. Acting quickly is more important than waiting for perfect conditions. Remember, CPR can be started with just your hands in many cases — no equipment is necessary.

How do you perform CPR step-by-step, and why?

Performing CPR involves a clear sequence of actions designed to maximize blood flow and oxygen delivery. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide with explanations for each:

1. Check responsiveness and breathing: Confirm the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. This determines the need for CPR.
2. Call 911 or ask someone to: Early activation of emergency services ensures advanced help is on its way.
3. Position the person on their back: Lay the person flat on a firm surface to provide a stable base for chest compressions.
4. Start chest compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (on the lower half of the sternum). Put your other hand on top, interlocking fingers. Keep your arms straight and shoulders directly above hands. Push hard and fast, compressing the chest at least 2 inches deep. Perform compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute (about the tempo of the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees). Compressions mimic the heart’s pumping, circulating blood throughout the body.
5. Give rescue breaths (if trained and comfortable): After 30 compressions, open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Pinch the nose shut, take a normal breath, and cover the person’s mouth completely with yours. Blow for about 1 second and watch for chest rise. Give two rescue breaths, each causing the chest to rise visibly. Rescue breaths supply oxygen to the lungs.
6. Repeat cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths: Continue until: The person begins to breathe or respond. Emergency personnel arrive. You are too exhausted to continue. The scene becomes unsafe.

If you are untrained or uncertain about giving rescue breaths, perform hands-only CPR: continuous chest compressions without breaths. Continuous compressions alone can still save lives.

How can you tell if CPR is working?

Monitoring the victim’s response during CPR helps determine if your efforts are effective. Signs to watch for include:

• Return of normal breathing: The person begins to breathe regularly without assistance.
• Movement or coughing: Any purposeful movement, eye opening, or coughing indicates improving brain function and circulation.
• Color improvement: Skin color changes from pale or bluish to pink or normal tones as oxygenated blood flows.
• Pulse detection: If you can safely check, a pulse may return. However, do not stop CPR unless you are trained to check for this.

If none of these signs appear, continue CPR until professional help arrives or you can no longer continue. Remember that it can take several minutes for CPR to produce visible results. Persistence is crucial.

What should you do if CPR doesn't seem to work?

If CPR does not appear to be working immediately, do not stop performing it prematurely. Here is what to do:

• Continue CPR without interruption: Stopping reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery, decreasing the person’s chance of survival.
• Use an AED if available: Automated external defibrillators analyze heart rhythms and deliver shocks to restore normal heartbeat. Follow voice prompts carefully.
• Switch rescuers if possible: If you feel tired, find someone else to take over compressions to maintain effective force and rhythm.
• Reassess the scene: Ensure no new hazards have appeared, and that the victim’s airway remains open.
• Keep communicating: If alone, call 911 again to update responders on the situation.
• Do not give up: Survival is possible with prolonged CPR, even after several minutes.

In some cases, CPR will not restart the heart, but it helps preserve brain function until advanced care arrives. Your efforts are never wasted.

How do you adapt CPR for different audiences or situations?

CPR techniques vary based on the victim’s age and circumstances. Here are adaptations to keep in mind:

• Adults (puberty and older): Use two hands for compressions, pushing at least 2 inches deep.
• Children (age 1 to puberty): Use one hand for compressions, pressing about 2 inches deep. Give gentle breaths.
• Infants (under 1 year): Use two fingers for compressions, pressing about 1.5 inches deep. Cover both mouth and nose with your mouth for breaths.
• If alone and you witness collapse: Call 911 immediately, then start CPR. For unwitnessed collapse, perform 2 minutes of CPR before calling.
• Hands-only CPR: If you are untrained or uncomfortable with breaths, perform continuous chest compressions at 100-120 per minute.
• Special situations: For suspected spinal injuries, minimize head tilt when giving breaths. For drowning victims, emphasize rescue breaths more.
• Pets: CPR for animals requires special training. For example, see how to perform CPR on a cat if interested.

Knowing these variations ensures you provide the most appropriate care.

What are the key reasons to learn and perform CPR?

Learning CPR prepares you to save lives in emergencies. Here are key reasons to know CPR:

• Immediate response saves lives: Most cardiac arrests happen outside hospitals where bystanders are first responders.
• Prevents brain damage: CPR maintains blood flow and oxygen, protecting the brain from permanent injury.
• Bridges time until EMS arrives: It keeps vital organs alive during delays in professional care.
• Empowers you to help: CPR knowledge builds confidence to act decisively in emergencies.
• Reduces fatal outcomes: It increases survival chances and improves outcomes.
• Simple yet effective: Hands-only CPR can be performed by anyone with brief training.

Everyone should consider CPR training to be prepared for emergencies involving family, friends, coworkers, or strangers.

For detailed explanations and teaching methods, see How to Explain CPR: A Guide for Parents and Teachers and 5 Steps to Start CPR.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I get CPR training?

It is recommended to renew CPR training every two years to keep your skills and knowledge current, as guidelines can change.

Can I perform CPR if I have physical limitations?

Yes, any effort helps. You can perform hands-only CPR or assist by calling 911 and getting help from others.

What if I accidentally break ribs during CPR?

Rib fractures may occur but are less serious than death from cardiac arrest. CPR should always be performed when needed.

When is it okay to stop CPR?

Stop only when trained medical help arrives, the person recovers, you are too exhausted, or the scene becomes unsafe.

Is rescue breathing always necessary?

Rescue breaths improve oxygen delivery but hands-only CPR is recommended if you are untrained or unwilling to give breaths.