Emergency

CPR (Unresponsive, Not Breathing)

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 999, start chest compressions (30 pushes then 2 rescue breaths) and keep going until help arrives.

When to call 999. Call 999 straight away for anyone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally, and ask for an ambulance and the nearest defibrillator (AED). Put the phone on speaker so you can start compressions immediately.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Check for a response — shout and gently shake the shoulders. If there is no response, shout for help.
  2. Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin, then look, listen and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
  3. If they are not breathing normally, call 999 (on speaker) and ask someone to fetch a defibrillator if available.
  4. Kneel beside them, place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest with the other on top, and push down hard and fast — about 5–6 cm deep, 100–120 times a minute.
  5. After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths if you are willing and trained (pinch the nose, seal your mouth over theirs, blow steadily until the chest rises). If not, continue compressions only.
  6. Keep going with cycles of 30 compressions to 2 breaths, without stopping, until emergency help takes over, a defibrillator is ready to use, or the person starts to wake and breathe normally.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not stop to repeatedly check for breathing once you have started, and do not delay compressions to find a defibrillator on your own — send someone else. Do not worry about cracking a rib; effective compressions are life-saving.

Afterwards and while you wait

Use a defibrillator (AED) as soon as one arrives — it gives clear spoken instructions and only shocks if needed. If the person recovers and is breathing normally, place them in the recovery position and monitor them until the ambulance arrives.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

CPR (Unresponsive, Not Breathing): frequently asked questions

What if I am not trained to give rescue breaths?

Hands-only CPR — continuous chest compressions without breaths — is still highly effective and much better than doing nothing. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest until help arrives.

How deep and fast should compressions be?

Press down about 5 to 6 cm on an adult and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute — roughly the beat of the song "Stayin’ Alive". Allow the chest to come back up fully between each push.

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Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • Resuscitation Council UK
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance

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