Adult hands-only CPR
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If an adult suddenly collapses, is unresponsive and is not breathing normally or is only gasping, call emergency services, get an AED and start chest compressions. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100–120 compressions per minute; follow dispatcher instructions.
Take it with you. Verify locally.
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In immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Current instructions for your location take priority.
Do now.
- 01
Check safely
Ensure the scene is safe and check responsiveness and breathing quickly.
- 02
Call and get an AED
Use speakerphone or send someone to call and bring an AED.
- 03
Give compressions
Place both hands in the center of the chest; compress at least 2 inches, avoiding more than 2.4 inches, and allow full recoil.
- 04
Continue
Follow the AED prompts and dispatcher instructions until responders take over or normal signs of life return.
Next steps.
Take a CPR course. Trained rescuers can give breaths according to training; children, infants, drowning and other breathing-related arrests need appropriate CPR with breaths.
Watch for.
This adult sudden-collapse guide does not replace infant or child CPR instructions. Gasping is not normal breathing.
Sources & context.
Original Osprey Zero summary of the references below. U.S.-based guidance unless noted; check authorities where you are. This page is not a live alert.
Updated 2026-10-02. First-aid summaries support immediate response and training; they have not received independent clinical review.