How To: Perform CPR on an adult (British Red Cross)

CPR. It's stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is the emergency medical procedure for restoring a person's normal heartbeat and breathing when experiencing heart failure or breathing impairment. It's the number one way to save a life, and everyone should know it, whether you're certified or not.

If an adult is not breathing normally, you must call an ambulance then start cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which is a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths.

1. Place your hands on the centre of their chest and, with the heel of your hand, press down (4-5cm). After every 30 chest compressions give two breaths.

2. Pinch the person's nose. Place your mouth over their mouth and – by blowing steadily – attempt two rescue breaths each over one second.

3. Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until emergency help arrives or the person begins to breath normally.

If you are unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths give chest compressions alone.

The British Red Cross designed these first aid videos to help everyone in being prepared and ready to respond to emergencies that may come their way. First aid is very important in making sure injuries don't become worse than they have to… or even life threatening. Rapid response is the best way to help an accident victim's injury and suffering.