Adult CPR: Performing Chest Compressions Without a Barrier

1. Check for responsiveness. Gently shake and shout to the person, "Are you okay?" If the person is unresponsive, call 911 or your local emergency number.

2. Start chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand on the person's sternum, between the nipples. Place your other hand over the first hand and interlock your fingers. Give chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, and compress the chest at least 2 inches deep. Allow the chest to recoil between compressions.

3. Give rescue breaths. If you are not trained in CPR, you can skip the rescue breaths and continue chest compressions until help arrives. If you are trained in CPR, give two rescue breaths after every 30 chest compressions. To give a rescue breath, tilt the person's head back and pinch their nose closed. Take a deep breath and seal your mouth over the person's mouth, blowing air into their lungs until their chest rises.

4. Continue CPR until help arrives. Do not stop CPR until help arrives, the person starts breathing, or you are too exhausted to continue.