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What is CPR?CPR (short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a first aid technique that can be used if someone is not breathing properly or if their heart has stopped. Show
Start CPR as soon as possibleCPR involves chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth (rescue breaths) that help circulate blood and oxygen in the body. This can help keep the brain and vital organs alive. You should start CPR if a person:
How to perform CPR — adultsWatch this video from Royal Life Saving Australia about how to perform CPR on an adult, or read the DRS ABCD action plan and step-by-step instructions below.
Follow these steps before starting CPR. (Use the phrase “doctor’s ABCD” — DRS ABCD — to help you remember the first letter of each step.)
Carry out chest compressions:
Give mouth-to-mouth:
Give 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, known as “30:2”. Aim for 5 sets of 30:2 in about 2 minutes (if only doing compressions about 100 – 120 compressions per minute). Keep going with 30 compressions then 2 breaths until:
Doing CPR is very tiring so if possible, with minimal interruption, swap between doing mouth-to-mouth and compressions so you can keep going with effective compressions. If you can’t give breaths, doing compressions only without stopping may still save a life. How to perform CPR — children over 1 yearUse these instructions only if the child's chest is too small for you to use both hands to do chest compressions. Otherwise, use the instructions for adult CPR above. Watch this video from Royal Life Saving Australia about how to perform CPR on a child, or read the DRS ABCD action plan and step-by-step instructions below.
Follow these steps before starting CPR. (Use the phrase “doctor’s ABCD” — DRS ABCD — to help you remember the first letter of each step.) DRSABCD ACTION PLAN
To carry out chest compressions on a child:
To give mouth-to-mouth to a child:
Give 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, known as “30:2”. Aim for 5 sets of 30:2 in about 2 minutes (if only doing compressions about 100 – 120 compressions per minute). Keep going with 30 compressions then 2 breaths until:
Doing CPR is very tiring so if possible, with minimal interruption, swap between doing mouth-to-mouth and compressions so you can keep going with effective compressions. If you can’t give breaths, doing compressions only without stopping may still save a life. How to perform CPR — babies under 1 yearWatch this video from Royal Life Saving Australia about how to perform CPR on a baby, or read the DRS ABC action plan and step-by-step instructions below.
Follow these life support steps before starting. (Use the phrase “doctor’s ABC” — DRS ABC — to help you remember the first letter of each step.) DRSABC ACTION PLAN
To carry out chest compressions on a baby:
To give mouth-to-mouth to a baby:
Give 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, known as “30:2”. Aim for 5 sets of 30:2 in about 2 minutes (if only doing compressions about 100 – 120 compressions per minute). Keep going with 30 compressions to 2 breaths until:
If you can’t give breaths, doing compressions only without stopping may still save a life Using an automated external defibrillator (AED)Using an AED can also save someone’s life. You do not need to be trained to use an AED since the AED will guide you with voice prompts on how to use it safely.
CPR trainingWe recommend you attend a first aid training course. It pays to have first aid skills because it will make dealing with an emergency situation easier. St John Ambulance Australia offers a range of first aid courses and can be contacted at stjohn.org.au. To contact St John Ambulance Australia in your local area, call 1300 360 455. Royal Life Saving Australia organises training courses in first aid and resuscitation in every state and territory. How many compressions per minute should a child have?Push down 4cm (for a baby or infant) or 5cm (a child), which is approximately one-third of the chest diameter. Release the pressure, then rapidly repeat at a rate of about 100-120 compressions a minute. After 30 compressions, tilt the head, lift the chin, and give 2 effective breaths.
How many compressions per minute are you giving an infant?Compressions are done fast at a rate of 100 per minute. After you have compressed the chest 30 times, open the baby's airway for mouth-to-mouth breathing using the head lift-chin lift method (see chart on page 3, step 3). Tip the head back with one hand on the forehead.
What is the average compression per minute for adults children and babies?CPR with rescue breaths
Place the heel of your hand on the centre of the person's chest, then place the palm of your other hand on top and press down by 5 to 6cm (2 to 2.5 inches) at a steady rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute. After every 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
How many compressions do you give to a baby?Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths until: You notice an obvious sign of life. An AED is ready to use. Another trained responder is available to take over compressions.
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