CPR/AED Training

than double a person’s chances of survival, and studies show that people receiving hands-only CPR are as likely to survive as those receiving conventional CPR with rescue breaths.

Hands-Only CPR

• Step 1: Make sure the scene is safe and check for consciousness (tap, shout, tap)

• Step 2: Have someone call 9-1-1 and get an AED.

• Step 3: Ensure the person is on their back on a firm, flat surface.

• Step 4: Kneel beside the person. Your knees should be near the person’s body and spread about shoulder-width apart.

• Step 5: Use correct hand placement. Place the heel of one hand in the center of their chest, with your other hand on top. Interlace your fingers and make sure they are up off the chest. 

• Step 6: Use correct body position. Position your body so that your shoulders are directly over your hands. Lock your elbows to keep your arms straight. 

• Step 7: Give continuous compressions. Push hard and fast (at least 2 inches; 100 to 120 compressions per minute). 

• Step 8: Allow chest to return to its normal position after each compression. 

• Step 9: Use an AED as soon as it is available.

When do you stop CPR?

• You notice an obvious sign of life

• An AED is ready to use

• Another trained responder has arrived

• EMS has arrived

• You are too exhausted to continue

• The scene has become unsafe

What is an automated external defibrillator (AED)?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. Always be aware of the closest AED location whenever possible.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Step 1

• Follow the steps of Hands-Only CPR to make sure the scene is safe, the victim is unresponsive, 9-1-1 has been called, and compressions on the victim have begun.

Step 2

• As soon as an AED is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts

Step 3

• Remove clothing and attach pads correctly

• Remove all clothing covering the chest. If necessary, wipe the chest dry

• Place one pad on the upper right side of the chest

• Place the other pad on the lower left side of the chest, a few inches below the left armpit

• Note: If the pads may touch, place one pad in the middle of the chest and the other pad on the back, between the shoulder blades

Step 4

• Plug the pad connector cable into the AED, if necessary

Step 5

• Prepare to let the AED analyze the heart’s rhythm

• Make sure no one is touching the person

• Say, “CLEAR!” in a loud, commanding voice

Step 6

• Deliver a shock, if the AED determines one is needed

• Make sure no one is touching the person

• Say, “CLEAR!” in a loud, commanding voice

• Push the “shock” button to deliver the shock

Step 7

• After the AED delivers the shock, or if no shock is advised, immediately start CPR, beginning with compressions

Get more training and certification by visiting the Red Cross website!