Chapter 4: Adult CPR Compressions Guide | American CPR Care Association
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chapter 4: Adult CPR – Compressions

Once you determine the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally:

  1. Make sure they are lying face-up on a firm, flat surface.
  2. If face down, carefully roll them onto their back while supporting the head and neck.
  3. Move bulky clothing out of the way.

If you are trained to check a pulse, check for no more than 10 seconds.

  • For adults and children, check the carotid artery in the neck.
  • If you do not feel a pulse, or are unsure, begin CPR immediately.

If you are not trained in pulse checks, do not delay — begin compressions.

Hand Position

  • Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest on the lower half of the breastbone.
  • Place your other hand on top.
  • Interlace your fingers.
  • Keep your arms straight.
  • Position your shoulders directly over your hands.

Give Compressions

Push hard and fast.

Remember these four things:

Rate: 100–120 compressions per minute.
Depth: At least 2 inches (5 cm), but not more than 2.4 inches.
Recoil: Let the chest fully rise between compressions.
Don’t Stop: Do not interrupt compressions for more than 10 seconds.

CPR is hard work.


If a second rescuer is available:

  • One person performs compressions.
  • The other calls 9-1-1 and retrieves the AED.
  • Switch roles about every 2 minutes to prevent fatigue.
  • Remind each other to maintain proper depth, rate, and full recoil.

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