This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
How to Perform Hands-Only CPR on an Adult
Hands-only CPR is a life-saving emergency technique consisting of continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths. When an adult collapses from sudden cardiac arrest, prompt bystander CPR can double or triple their chance of survival before paramedics arrive. Anyone can learn and perform these simple steps safely and effectively.
Quick Summary
If an adult collapses and is unresponsive or not breathing normally, call 911 immediately and push hard and fast in the center of their chest 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
Check Scene Safety and Responsiveness
Ensure the immediate environment is safe for you and the person. Tap the person firmly on both shoulders and shout loudly, 'Are you OK?' Look at their face and chest for no more than 10 seconds to check if they are moving, speaking, or breathing normally.
Important: Occasional gasping, snorting, or gurgling sounds (agonal breathing) are not normal breathing; treat this as cardiac arrest and begin CPR immediately.
Call 911 and Get an AED
If the person does not respond and is not breathing or only gasping, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. If bystanders are present, point directly to one person and instruct them to call 911 and find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). If you are alone, place your mobile phone on speaker while calling so the dispatcher can assist you.
Position the Person on a Firm Surface
Ensure the person is lying flat on their back on a hard, flat surface such as the floor or ground. Kneel beside their chest with your knees spread roughly shoulder-width apart to provide a stable base of support.
Important: Do not attempt chest compressions on a soft mattress or couch, as the surface absorbs the pressure and prevents adequate blood flow.
Position Your Hands on the Chest
Place the heel of one hand directly in the center of the person's chest, along the lower half of the breastbone (sternum). Place the heel of your other hand directly on top of the first hand and interlace your fingers. Keep your fingers lifted slightly so only the heel of your bottom hand applies force to the sternum.
Compress Hard and Fast
Lock your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly over your hands. Use your upper body weight to push down straight at least 2 inches (5 cm), but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). Compress at a rhythm of 100 to 120 beats per minute, which matches the tempo of the song 'Stayin' Alive'.
Important: Allow the chest to come all the way back up to its normal position after each compression so the heart can refill with blood.
Maintain Continuous Compressions
Continue delivering uninterrupted compressions without stopping to give rescue breaths. If another bystander is available, rotate rescuers every two minutes to prevent exhaustion, switching quickly to minimize pauses in compressions.
Attach and Use an AED if Available
As soon as an AED arrives, turn it on immediately and follow the audible and visual prompts. Expose the person's bare chest, attach the adhesive pads according to the diagrams, and temporarily stop compressions only when the device tells you it is analyzing the heart rhythm or preparing to deliver a shock.
Important: Ensure no one is touching the person while the AED analyzes the rhythm or delivers an electrical shock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hands-only CPR and conventional CPR?
Can I break the person's ribs while giving CPR, and what should I do if I feel a crack?
Am I legally protected if I perform CPR on a stranger?
When can I stop performing hands-only CPR?
Sources & References
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- 3Mayo ClinicSource
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Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
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