How to do hands-only CPR on an adult
If an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 999, push hard and fast in the centre of the chest, and use a defibrillator as soon as one arrives. CPR can double someone's chance of survival.
- Time
- Until help arrives
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 7
- Checked
What you’ll need
- A phone to call 999
- A defibrillator (AED) if one is nearby: the 999 call handler can tell you where
Safety first
- Don't worry about hurting them: ribs may break, but without CPR someone in cardiac arrest will die.
- CPR for babies and children is different. Learn it from the BHF or St John Ambulance, and follow the 999 call handler's instructions.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Check for danger and a response
Make sure it's safe to approach. Shake the person's shoulders firmly and ask loudly if they're all right.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Check breathing
If there's no response, tilt the head back gently, lift the chin and look, listen and feel for normal breathing for up to 10 seconds. Occasional gasps are not normal breathing.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Call 999
If they're not breathing normally, call 999 (or 112) straight away and put the phone on speaker. If someone else is there, send them to find a defibrillator. The call handler will guide you.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Position your hands
Kneel beside them. Put the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest, place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Keep your arms straight with your shoulders above your hands.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Push hard and fast
Press straight down 5 to 6 cm (about 2 in) and let the chest come back up. Do it at a rate of about 2 per second (100 to 120 a minute), the beat of "Stayin' Alive". Don't stop except to let a defibrillator analyse.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Use a defibrillator
As soon as an AED arrives, switch it on and follow its spoken instructions. It will only shock if needed. Keep doing compressions whenever it tells you to.
Next: step 7 -
Step 7: Keep going
Continue until the ambulance crew takes over, the person starts breathing normally, or you're too exhausted to go on. If others are there, swap every couple of minutes.
Tips
- If you're trained and willing, you can give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions, but hands-only CPR is very effective.
- Take a short course: the BHF's free RevivR online training takes about 15 minutes at bhf.org.uk/revivr, and St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross run first aid courses.
When to call a professional
Always call 999 first. A first aid course is the best way to learn CPR properly.
Questions people ask
What if they start breathing?
Stop compressions, put them in the recovery position and keep checking their breathing until help arrives.
Can a defibrillator harm someone?
No: an AED only gives a shock if it detects a heart rhythm that needs one.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- British Heart Foundation: How to do CPR (bhf.org.uk)
- St John Ambulance: CPR (sja.org.uk)
- British Heart Foundation: Learn CPR in 15 minutes (RevivR) (bhf.org.uk)
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