How to Do CPR on a Teenager
Short answer
To perform CPR on a teenager, first ensure safety, check responsiveness, and call 911 immediately if the teen is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping. Perform chest compressions about 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. If trained, give rescue breaths. Continue until emergency help arrives or the teen shows clear signs of life.
What do you need before starting CPR on a teenager?
Before beginning CPR, make sure the area around the teenager is safe for both you and the teen. Look for hazards like traffic, fire, or unstable surfaces, and move the teen only if necessary to prevent further injury. Quickly assess the teen’s responsiveness by gently tapping the shoulder and loudly asking, “Are you okay?” You’ll want to have a phone handy to call emergency services (911) or ask someone nearby to call immediately. If you have access to personal protective equipment like disposable gloves and a CPR face shield or mask, get them ready to reduce infection risk during rescue breaths. If none are available, hands-only CPR (chest compressions without breaths) is still effective and recommended. Wearing gloves isn’t mandatory but is a precaution. Prepare to act quickly—every second counts in CPR.
How do you check if CPR is needed for a teenager?
Check responsiveness first by shouting the teen’s name or saying, “Can you hear me?” while gently tapping their shoulder. If there’s no response, check for normal breathing by looking at the chest for movement, listening for breath sounds, or feeling for breath on your cheek for up to 10 seconds. Breathing that is slow or irregular gasping is not normal and means CPR should start immediately. If you are trained to check a pulse, do so at the carotid artery on the neck for up to 10 seconds. Absence of pulse combined with no normal breathing confirms the need for CPR. If the teen is breathing normally and responsive, place them in a recovery position (on their side) and monitor their breathing until help arrives. In any case of unresponsiveness or abnormal breathing, assume cardiac arrest and begin CPR.
What are the step-by-step instructions for performing CPR on a teenager?
- Call 911 immediately: If you are alone, call first before starting CPR. If others are present, instruct someone to call for help and get an AED if available. Early emergency response greatly improves survival chances.
- Lay the teen flat: Place the teenager on their back on a firm, flat surface like the floor. This allows effective chest compressions and airway opening.
- Position your hands: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum). Place the other hand on top and interlock fingers. Keep your arms straight and shoulders directly above your hands to use your body weight for compressions.
- Perform chest compressions: Push down hard and fast, compressing the chest about 2 inches deep. The goal is to pump blood through the heart and brain. Compress at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute — roughly two compressions every second. After each compression, allow the chest to fully rise (recoil) before the next push. Avoid leaning on the chest between compressions.
- Open the airway: After 30 compressions, open the airway by tilting the head back slightly while lifting the chin upward. This helps clear the airway for breaths.
- Give rescue breaths: Pinch the teen’s nose closed, take a normal breath, and make a tight seal over their mouth. Blow into the mouth for about 1 second, watching the chest rise visibly. If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again. Give two rescue breaths.
- Repeat cycles: Continue cycles of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. Repeat this pattern until emergency responders arrive, the teen shows signs of recovery (breathing normally, moving), or you become too exhausted to continue.
If you are not trained or uncomfortable giving rescue breaths, perform hands-only CPR by giving continuous chest compressions without interruption. This is still highly effective.
How do you know if CPR is working?
You will know CPR is effective if the teenager shows signs of life such as coughing, moving, opening eyes, or starting to breathe normally. Visible chest rise during rescue breaths indicates that air is entering the lungs. Improved skin color or warmth can also be a positive sign. If the teen regains a pulse but is not breathing, focus on rescue breaths to support oxygen delivery. Sometimes, it takes several minutes for CPR to produce visible improvement, so continue without stopping. If the teen remains unresponsive and not breathing, continue CPR until professional help arrives. Remember, even if there are no immediate signs of improvement, performing CPR maintains vital blood flow to the brain and heart, increasing the chance of survival.
What should you do if CPR is not working or the teen’s condition worsens?
If you notice no improvement after several minutes but the teen remains unresponsive and without normal breathing, continue CPR as this may take time. If the teen vomits during CPR, quickly turn their head to the side to clear the airway and remove vomit from the mouth using your fingers or cloth. Then, reposition the head and resume CPR. If the teen’s pulse returns but they still don’t breathe, stop compressions and provide rescue breaths at a rate of about one breath every 5 seconds, watching for chest rise. If the teen begins breathing normally, place them in the recovery position and monitor closely. If you become physically unable to continue CPR, call for help again or ask a bystander to take over if trained. Avoid interrupting CPR except to clear the airway or if an AED is ready to use.
How is CPR for a teenager different from CPR for children or adults?
Teenagers are generally treated like adults for CPR purposes because their bodies are similar in size. This means compressions are about 2 inches deep and the compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2, the same as for adults. For younger children, compressions are shallower, and sometimes only one hand is used. Rescue breaths are also performed similarly for teens and adults. If you are trained, always give rescue breaths along with compressions. If untrained, hands-only CPR is a good alternative. An AED can be used on teenagers without modification. Understanding these similarities helps responders confidently perform CPR on teens until professional care arrives.
Where can you learn CPR specifically for teens?
Many community centers, schools, and organizations like the American Red Cross offer CPR classes designed for teenagers and adults. These classes provide hands-on training with mannequins and cover how to respond to emergencies involving teens and adults. Some programs are free or low-cost and include information on AED use and first aid basics. Schools often include CPR training in health classes or physical education, which can prepare teens to act in emergencies. Online courses are available for basic knowledge, but practicing techniques in person is highly recommended. Encouraging teens to learn CPR builds confidence and readiness to help others in critical situations.
What should you do after performing CPR on a teenager?
Once emergency personnel arrive or the teen recovers, provide them with all the information you have about the situation, including how long CPR was performed and any changes you observed. After the event, take care of your own emotional and physical well-being. Performing CPR can be stressful, and it’s normal to feel shaken or upset. Talk to a trusted adult, counselor, or healthcare provider if needed. If the teen survives, follow up with medical providers to learn about their recovery. If the teen does not survive, grief support resources can help you and others cope. Knowing you gave your best effort can provide some comfort.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I perform CPR on a teenager?
Continue CPR until emergency responders take over, the teen starts breathing normally or moves, or you physically cannot continue. Consistent compressions and breaths maximize survival chances.
Can I do CPR on a teenager if I’m not trained?
Yes. Perform hands-only CPR by pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest without rescue breaths. This still circulates blood until help arrives.
What if the teenager has a pulse but is not breathing?
Provide rescue breaths only, about one breath every 5 seconds, and monitor until emergency help arrives or the teen starts breathing independently.
How deep should chest compressions be for a teenager?
Compressions should be about 2 inches deep—this depth ensures adequate blood flow, similar to adult CPR guidelines.
Should I use an AED on a teenager?
Yes. Use an AED as soon as it is available, following the device’s voice prompts. AEDs are safe and effective for teenagers.
What if the teenager vomits during CPR?
Turn their head to the side to clear vomit from the airway, remove as much as possible from the mouth, then reposition the head and resume CPR promptly.