Adult Cardiac Arrest: Compression-Only CPR

In this film, we will show you what to do if an adult suddenly collapses and is not breathing normally, following the latest Resuscitation Council UK guidelines using compression-only CPR.

Even if you have never received CPR training, your actions can still save a life. The most important things are to act quickly, call 999, start chest compressions, and keep going until help arrives.

Step 1: Check for Danger

Before helping, make sure the area is safe for you and others. Look for hazards such as:

• Traffic
• Electricity
• Fire or smoke
• Broken glass or sharp objects

If it is safe, approach the casualty.

Step 2: Check for Response

Gently shake the casualty’s shoulders and shout:

“Are you OK?”

If there is no response:

• Shout for help
• If someone is nearby, ask them to call 999, put the phone on speaker, and fetch an AED if one is available

If you are on your own, call 999 on your mobile and put it on speakerphone so the call handler can guide you.

Step 3: Check for Normal Breathing

• Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway
• Look for normal breathing for up to 10 seconds
• Check whether the chest rises and falls normally

If the person is not breathing normally, or is only gasping, treat this as cardiac arrest.

Tell the 999 operator that the person is not breathing normally. An ambulance will be dispatched immediately.

Step 4: Start Chest Compressions

Begin chest compressions straight away. The call handler may say:

“Place the heel of your hand in the centre of the chest, put your other hand on top, and push hard and fast.”

How to Perform Chest Compressions

• Kneel beside the casualty
• Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest, between the nipples
• Place your other hand on top and keep your arms straight
• Push down hard and fast, to a depth of 5–6 cm
• Allow the chest to fully rise after each compression
• Continue at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute (about two per second)

You can keep time to the beat of a familiar song such as “Stayin’ Alive” or “Baby Shark”, which both match the correct rhythm.

Keep Going Until Help Arrives

Do not stop CPR unless:

• The person starts breathing normally or begins to move
• Emergency services arrive and take over
• You become physically exhausted

Using an AED

If an AED arrives:

• Switch it on immediately
• Follow the spoken instructions
• The AED will tell you when to stop compressions and when to restart

If the Person Starts Breathing Normally

If normal breathing returns:

• Stop chest compressions
• Carefully roll the person onto their side into the recovery position
• Keep the airway open with the head slightly tilted back
• Stay with them and monitor their breathing until help arrives

Key Points to Remember

• Call 999 immediately and use speakerphone
• If the person is not breathing normally, start chest compressions straight away
• Compress the centre of the chest 5–6 cm deep
• Maintain a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute
• Use an AED as soon as possible and follow its instructions
• Even if you are untrained, doing something is always better than doing nothing

Act fast, keep pushing, and do not stop. Your actions could save a life.