❤️ I’m Untrained – How to Perform CPR (Adults, Children & Infants)

When someone suddenly collapses and stops breathing normally, every second counts. If you’re not first aid trained, you can still save a life by performing hands-only CPR until help arrives.

You don’t need special equipment — just confidence, calm, and your hands.

⚠️ Step One: Call 999 or 112 Immediately

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, or only gasping:

• Call 999 or 112 straight away.

• Put your phone on speaker so the operator can guide you through CPR.

• If there’s an AED (defibrillator) nearby, send someone to get it.

💪 Step Two: Start Hands-Only CPR

For Adults and Children Over 1 Year Old:

1. Place the heel of your hand on the centre of the chest (between the nipples).
   Put your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.

2. Position yourself directly above the chest with straight arms.

3. Push hard and fast – about 5–6 cm deep, at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute (roughly two per second).

   • A good rhythm cue is the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees or “Baby Shark.”

4. Don’t stop until:

   • Emergency help arrives,

   • Someone takes over,

   • Or the person starts to move or breathe normally.

If you get tired, switch with someone else if possible — constant compressions save lives.

For Infants (Under 1 Year Old):

1. Place two fingers in the centre of the baby’s chest, just below the nipple line.

2. Push down about 4 cm, allowing the chest to rise back up after each push.

3. Continue compressions at 100–120 per minute (two per second).

4. Focus on gentle, steady pressure — babies’ chests are small and flexible.

If there’s anyone with formal first aid training nearby, they can add rescue breaths, but hands-only CPR is always better than doing nothing.

⚡ Step Three: Use a Defibrillator (AED) if Available

Modern defibrillators are easy and safe to use — they give you voice instructions.

1. Turn it on and follow the prompts.

2. Attach the pads to the person’s bare chest as shown in the diagrams.

3. Stand clear when told, then continue CPR when instructed.

You can’t hurt someone by using an AED. If it’s not needed, it won’t deliver a shock.

🧍Step Four: Keep Going Until Help Arrives

• Continue compressions until paramedics arrive or the person starts breathing normally.

• If they begin to move or breathe, place them on their side in the recovery position and keep monitoring their breathing.

Common Myths About CPR

• ❌ “I might break their ribs.” – That’s okay. It means your compressions are deep enough.

• ❌ “I could make things worse.” – You can’t. Doing something is always better than doing nothing.

• ❌ “I don’t know the right technique.” – The emergency operator will guide you. Just start pushing hard and fast.

Learn CPR with DAC Education

Our First Aid and Emergency Life Support courses teach CPR for adults, children, and infants, including rescue breaths and AED use.
Gain confidence, practice on manikins, and know exactly what to do in an emergency.

👉 Join a CPR Training Course
(Delivered at our Suffolk HQ or on-site for groups of six or more.)