How to Perform CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life saving technique used when a person’s heart has stopped beating or they are not breathing normally. CPR helps maintain blood flow and oxygen to the brain and vital organs until emergency services arrive.
Immediate CPR can significantly improve a person’s chance of survival during cardiac arrest. In many situations, bystanders who act quickly can make the difference between life and death.
Understanding the basic steps of CPR helps individuals respond more confidently during an emergency.
When CPR Is Needed
CPR may be required when a person:
• collapses and becomes unresponsive
• is not breathing normally
• has stopped breathing
• has suffered sudden cardiac arrest
If someone becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, emergency services should be contacted immediately.
In Australia, call 000 for emergency assistance.
The Basic Steps of CPR
The following steps provide a general guide to performing CPR until emergency services arrive.
1. Check for danger
Before assisting someone, ensure the area is safe for both you and the person needing help. Look for hazards such as traffic, electrical dangers or unsafe surroundings.
2. Check for response
Gently tap the person and speak loudly to see if they respond.
Ask simple questions such as:
“Can you hear me?”
If there is no response, they may be unconscious.
3. Call emergency services
Call 000 immediately or ask someone nearby to call.
If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, ask someone to bring it to the scene.
4. Check breathing
Place the person on their back and check if they are breathing normally.
Look for chest movement and listen for breathing. If they are not breathing normally or are gasping, CPR should begin immediately.
5. Begin chest compressions
Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the person’s chest. Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
Press down firmly and rhythmically.
Key points for effective compressions:
• compress the chest about one third of its depth
• aim for a rate of around 100 to 120 compressions per minute
• allow the chest to fully rise between compressions
6. Provide rescue breaths (if trained)
After 30 chest compressions, provide 2 rescue breaths if you are trained and comfortable doing so.
Tilt the head back slightly to open the airway, pinch the nose closed and give two steady breaths into the person’s mouth.
Then continue the cycle of:
30 compressions and 2 breaths
7. Continue CPR
Continue performing CPR until:
• emergency services arrive
• the person begins breathing normally
• you are physically unable to continue
If an AED becomes available, follow the device instructions immediately.
The Importance of Early CPR
Brain injury can begin within minutes when the heart stops pumping blood. Performing CPR helps maintain circulation and oxygen flow until advanced medical care is available.
Early CPR and early defibrillation using an AED can dramatically increase survival rates during cardiac arrest.
Because emergencies can occur anywhere, having trained individuals within workplaces and communities is critical.
Why First Aid Training Matters
While understanding the basics of CPR is valuable, hands on training helps people develop the confidence and skills needed to act quickly in real emergency situations.
Practical training allows participants to learn:
• correct compression technique
• safe use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
• how to manage real world emergency scenarios
We provide nationally recognised CPR and first aid training delivered by experienced emergency health professionals.
Learn CPR with us
We deliver practical CPR and first aid training for workplaces, healthcare providers, community organisations and teams across Melbourne and Victoria.
Our training focuses on real world emergency response and helps participants develop the confidence to act when it matters most.
To learn more about training options or to organise group training for your organisation, please contact Victorian Institute of Health.