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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed October 19, 2026Editorial policy
First Aid21 min read

How to Perform Hands-Only CPR on an Adult

Published: October 19, 2026Updated: October 19, 2026

Hands-only CPR is a lifesaving technique used when a teen or adult suddenly collapses outside of a hospital setting. By providing continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths, you keep oxygenated blood circulating to the brain and vital organs until emergency personnel arrive. Taking immediate action can double or even triple a victim's chances of survival.

Quick Summary

Call emergency services immediately, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100 to 120 beats per minute until help arrives.

Important Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers for medical concerns.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Check the Scene and Assess Responsiveness

Ensure the surrounding area is safe for both you and the victim before approaching. Tap the person firmly on the shoulder and shout loudly, 'Are you okay?' to see if they respond or open their eyes.

Important: Do not enter the area if hazards like exposed wiring, fire, or toxic fumes put your own safety at risk.

2

Call 911 and Get an AED

If the person does not respond, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. If someone else is nearby, point directly at them and tell them to call 911 and retrieve an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) while you stay with the victim. Put your phone on speakerphone so dispatchers can coach you.

3

Check for Normal Breathing

Look at the person's chest for no more than 10 seconds to see if it is rising and falling normally. If the person is not breathing or is only gasping irregularly (known as agonal breathing), they are in cardiac arrest and require immediate CPR.

Important: Agonal gasping or snorting is not normal breathing; do not mistake it for breathing—start compressions immediately.

4

Position Your Hands in the Center of the Chest

Place the victim flat on their back on a firm, level surface like the floor. Place the heel of one hand directly on the center of their chest, over the lower half of the breastbone. Place your other hand on top of the first, interlacing your fingers, and position your shoulders directly over your hands with straight, locked elbows.

5

Push Hard and Fast

Deliver firm chest compressions by pressing straight down at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). Compress at a steady rhythm of 100 to 120 beats per minute, which matches the tempo of the song 'Stayin' Alive' by the Bee Gees.

Important: Avoid bouncing or bending your elbows; use your upper body weight to drive compressions directly downward.

6

Allow the Chest to Recoil Fully

Between each downward press, allow the chest to rise completely back to its resting level without lifting your hands off the skin. Full chest recoil allows the heart chambers to refill with blood between compressions.

Important: Do not lean your body weight on the person's chest between compressions, as this impairs heart refilling.

7

Continue Until Help Arrives or an AED Is Ready

Maintain uninterrupted compressions until emergency medical personnel tell you to stop, an AED is turned on and ready to analyze the rhythm, or the person visibly wakes up and starts moving. If another bystander is present, switch roles every 2 minutes without pausing compressions to prevent rescuer fatigue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don't I need to give mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths?
For adults who collapse suddenly from sudden cardiac arrest, hands-only CPR is just as effective as conventional CPR during the first few critical minutes. The person's bloodstream still contains enough oxygen, and uninterrupted chest compressions keep that oxygen moving to the heart and brain.
Can I break a person's ribs while giving CPR?
Yes, cracked or broken ribs and cartilage damage can occur during high-quality compressions, particularly in older adults. However, a broken rib can heal, whereas cardiac arrest without CPR is fatal; do not reduce compression depth or stop out of fear of causing injury.
When should conventional CPR with rescue breaths be used instead?
Conventional CPR with a 30:2 ratio of compressions to breaths is still recommended for infants and children, victims of drowning, drug overdoses, suffocation, or individuals who have suffered an unwitnessed, prolonged arrest.
Can I be sued if I perform CPR incorrectly?
In the United States and many other jurisdictions, 'Good Samaritan' laws protect bystanders who act in good faith to provide emergency care without expecting compensation, shielding you from civil liability.
  1. 1
    Centers for Disease Control and PreventionSource
  2. 2
    Mayo ClinicSource
  3. 3
    National Health Service (NHS)Source
  4. 4
    National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)Source

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed October 19, 2026. · Read our editorial policy