Adult CPR: Complete 10-Step Emergency Response Guide

10-Step CPR Protocol (Current Guidelines)

1. Check responsiveness: Tap shoulders and shout, "Are you okay?"
2. Call 911 / activate EMS: If alone, call first (or use speakerphone); if others present, send someone while you start CPR.
3. Open the airway: Head tilt–chin lift; look for and remove visible obstructions.
4. Check breathing: Look for chest rise, listen for breath sounds, feel for air—no more than 10 seconds.
5. Give 2 rescue breaths: Pinch nose, seal mouth, deliver breaths watching for chest rise (1 second each).
6. Start chest compressions: Center of chest (lower half of sternum), depth 5–6 cm (2–2.4 in), rate 100–120/min. Allow full recoil.
7. Continue cycles: 30 compressions : 2 breaths.
8. Use AED as soon as available: Turn on, follow voice prompts, minimize interruptions.
9. Continue until: EMS arrives and takes over, the person shows signs of life, or you are physically exhausted.
10. Prepare for prolonged effort: CPR is physically demanding; rotate compressors every 2 minutes if possible.

Key Performance Points

• Compression depth: 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches) for adults.
• Rate: 100–120/min (beat of "Stayin' Alive" or "Baby Shark").
• Minimize interruptions: Keep pauses <10 seconds.
• Take a certified hands-on CPR course (AHA, Red Cross) for skill retention and confidence.