CPR

Choose an age above to see the steps.

1
Start on the chestNo rescue breaths first.
2
Compress
30:2
Ratio
5–6 cm
Depth
100–120
Per min
2 hands
Hands
30 chest compressions, then 2 breaths. Repeat.
1
5 rescue breaths firstThen move on to the chest.
2
Compress
15:2
Ratio
5–6 cm
Depth
100–120
Per min
2 hands
Hands
15 chest compressions, then 2 breaths. Repeat.
One hand if their build is smaller.
Not trained in paediatric-specific first aid? 30:2 is also acceptable.
1
5 rescue breaths firstThen move on to the chest.
2
Compress
15:2
Ratio
at least 1/3 of the chest depth
Depth (1/3 chest)
100–120
Per min
1 hand
Hands
15 chest compressions, then 2 breaths. Repeat.
Two hands if their build is larger.
Not trained in paediatric-specific first aid? 30:2 is also acceptable.
1
5 rescue breaths firstThen move on to the chest.
2
Compress
15:2
Ratio
at least 1/3 of the chest depth
Depth (1/3 chest)
100–120
Per min
2 thumbs
Hands
15 chest compressions, then 2 breaths. Repeat.
Not trained in paediatric-specific first aid? 30:2 is also acceptable.

Rescue breath: just enough air to make the chest start to rise. Deliver the breaths and return to compressions as soon as possible.

If you can't give rescue breaths

Continuous chest compressions — same rate and depth as above. Don't stop.

When to stop

Using a defibrillator (AED)

1
Turn it on and follow its instructions.

Image: step 1 — pending

2
Before placing the pads:
  • Remove clothing.
  • Dry skin.
  • If the chest is very hairy, quickly shave where the pads go — most AED kits include a razor.
3
Place the pads as shown on the pads themselves.

Image: step 3 — pending

4
Plug the pads in if the AED asks you to.

Image: step 4 — pending

5
Keep pushing until the AED tells you to stop. When it says a shock is advised, make sure nobody is touching the person — some AEDs shock by themselves, others tell you to press the button. Restart CPR the moment the shock is given, or straight away if no shock is advised.
6
Keep going for 2 minutes until the AED re-analyses, then follow its instructions again.

On a smaller child

Baby, or child under 25 kg (roughly 8 years): put one pad on the front of the chest and one on the back. If the AED has a child mode or child pads, use them.