How to Do CPR — Types, Steps & When to Use an AED

Q: Get trained — first aid courses in Australia

This quick guide is a reference only. For proper training, consider a nationally accredited first aid course: St John Ambulance Australia: stjohn.org.au — CPR courses from ~$50, full first aid from ~$140 Red Cross Australia: redcross.org.au Royal Life Saving Society: royallifesaving.com.au CPR certification is valid for 12 months. Full first aid (HLTAID011) is valid for 3 years. Many workplaces fund or require first aid training.

⚠ Important: This is a quick reference only — not a substitute for accredited first aid training. Techniques and guidelines can change. Complete a certified first aid course through an accredited provider in your country. In an emergency, call 000 and follow the operator's instructions.

If someone is unconscious and not breathing normally, call 000 immediately. Start CPR. Every minute without CPR reduces survival by 10%.

DRSABCD Action Plan

Danger

Check for danger to yourself, bystanders, and the person. Don't put yourself at risk.

Response

Check for a response. Squeeze their shoulders firmly. Shout "Can you hear me?" If no response → call for help.

Send for help

Call 000 (or ask someone to call). Put phone on speaker. Ask someone to find the nearest AED (defibrillator).

Airway

Open the airway. Tilt the head back gently by lifting the chin. Check the mouth — remove any obvious obstruction.

Breathing

Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for up to 10 seconds. Occasional gasps are NOT normal breathing. If not breathing normally → start CPR.

CPR — 30 compressions : 2 breaths

Place heel of one hand on the centre of the chest (lower half of breastbone). Place other hand on top, interlace fingers. Push hard and fast — at least 5 cm deep, at a rate of 100–120 per minute. Give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. If unwilling or unable to give breaths, continuous compressions alone is still effective.

Defibrillation

Use an AED as soon as available. Turn it on and follow the voice prompts — it will tell you exactly what to do. AEDs are safe for bystanders to use and will only deliver a shock if needed. Continue CPR between shocks.

30:2

Compressions to breaths

5cm

Compression depth (adult)

100

Compressions per minute

🚨 INTERACTIVE CPR GUIDE — DRSABCD Tap each step

📍 Find the nearest AED

Open AED Locator

Child (1–8 years): Use one or two hands for compressions. Push to one-third of the depth of the chest. Same ratio: 30 compressions : 2 breaths.

Infant (<1 year): Use two fingers (index and middle) on the centre of the chest, just below the nipple line. Push to one-third of the depth of the chest. Same ratio: 30 compressions : 2 breaths. Cover infant's mouth and nose with your mouth for rescue breaths (gentle puffs only).

Important: For children and infants, give 2 rescue breaths first, then begin compressions. Paediatric cardiac arrest is more commonly caused by breathing problems than heart rhythm problems.

This quick guide is a reference only. For proper training, consider a nationally accredited first aid course:

St John Ambulance Australia: stjohn.org.au — CPR courses from ~$50, full first aid from ~$140

Red Cross Australia: redcross.org.au

Royal Life Saving Society: royallifesaving.com.au

CPR certification is valid for 12 months. Full first aid (HLTAID011) is valid for 3 years. Many workplaces fund or require first aid training.

CPR Quick Guide

DRSABCD Action Plan