Imagine you’re out shopping, and suddenly someone collapses nearby—no breathing, no pulse. What do you do? Would you know how to help save their life in those critical first minutes?
This is where knowing how to do CPR in adults, children, and babies becomes essential. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is more than a technique—it’s a life-saving skill. But here’s the catch: CPR isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for an adult could harm a baby, and what helps a child may not be enough for an adult.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants—step by step, clearly and simply. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, security officer, or simply a good Samaritan, this article will empower you with the knowledge you need when every second counts.
What Is CPR and Why Is It So Important?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a medical emergency procedure that manually supports a person’s breathing and circulation when their heart stops beating (cardiac arrest).
The goal of CPR is to maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs until medical help arrives or the heart is restarted. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA), bystander CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
Yet, less than 46% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest get the immediate help they need before professional help arrives (Source: AHA, 2023). That’s because many bystanders hesitate—either they don’t know how to perform CPR correctly or fear doing more harm than good.
Let’s fix that. Let’s make sure you never have to hesitate.
How to Do CPR in Adults (Age 8 and Above)
Performing CPR on adults is different from children and infants because their bodies can tolerate more pressure, and the root causes of their cardiac arrests are often heart-related rather than breathing-related.
Step-by-Step CPR for Adults:
1. Check the scene for safety.
Before rushing to help, ensure you’re not putting yourself in danger. Make sure the area is safe (no fire, traffic, or electrical hazards).
2. Check for responsiveness.
Tap the person on the shoulder and shout: “Are you okay?”
No response? Move to the next step.
3. Call for emergency help.
Shout for help or dial your local emergency number (e.g., 911 in the U.S., 112 in Europe, 999 in the UK). Ask someone to get an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available.
4. Open the airway.
Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway. Check for normal breathing (not gasping) for no more than 10 seconds.
5. Begin chest compressions.
If the person isn’t breathing or only gasping:
-
Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest (between the nipples).
-
Place the other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
-
Keep your elbows straight and shoulders directly above your hands.
-
Press down at least 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. Think of the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.
-
Let the chest fully recoil after each compression.
6. Give rescue breaths (optional for laypersons).
If trained and willing:
-
After 30 compressions, give 2 breaths.
-
Pinch the nose, seal your mouth over theirs, and blow for about 1 second.
-
Watch for the chest to rise. If it doesn’t, reposition and try again.
7. Continue until help arrives or an AED is available.
Use the AED as soon as it arrives by turning it on and following the voice prompts.
Note from OSHA: Only trained individuals should perform rescue breaths, especially in workplace settings, due to infection risks. Compression-only CPR is acceptable for lay responders.
Key Tips:
-
Don’t stop CPR unless the person wakes up, medical professionals arrive, or you’re physically unable to continue.
-
Using an AED within the first 3 minutes can significantly improve survival.
How to Do CPR in Children (Age 1 to 8)
Children’s hearts usually stop due to breathing problems rather than heart conditions. That’s why rescue breaths are more important in child CPR than adult CPR.
Step-by-Step CPR for Children:
1. Ensure the environment is safe.
Just like adults, check for hazards before approaching the child.
2. Check for responsiveness.
Tap and shout: “Are you okay?” If no response, shout for help and call emergency services immediately.
3. Check for breathing.
Tilt the head slightly back and check for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
4. If not breathing, give 2 rescue breaths.
Cover the child’s mouth with yours and give 2 gentle breaths, each lasting 1 second. Watch for chest rise.
5. Start chest compressions:
-
Place one or two hands (depending on the child’s size) on the center of the chest.
-
Press down about 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
-
After 30 compressions, give 2 breaths.
-
Continue the 30:2 ratio.
6. Use an AED if available.
Attach pediatric AED pads. If unavailable, adult pads can be used, but never let them touch each other on a small chest.
7. Keep going until help arrives.
Real-World Application:
Imagine a child drowning in a pool—lack of oxygen leads to cardiac arrest. Your rescue breaths are critical. Studies from the AHA show that rescue breathing is vital in pediatric CPR, especially when the cause is respiratory.
Additional Notes:
-
If you’re alone with no phone, give 2 minutes of CPR first before leaving the child to call for help.
-
If someone else is around, one person should perform CPR while the other calls 911 or your local emergency number.
How to Do CPR in Babies (Under 1 Year)
CPR for infants is the most delicate and emotionally intense. Most infant cardiac arrests are due to airway issues, such as choking or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Immediate CPR can be lifesaving.
Step-by-Step CPR for Infants:
1. Make sure the scene is safe.
Gently approach the baby and ensure the environment poses no danger to you or the infant.
2. Check responsiveness.
Tap the sole of the baby’s foot and shout: “Are you okay?”
3. Shout for help and call emergency services.
If you’re alone, give 2 minutes of CPR first, then call emergency services.
4. Check breathing and airway.
Tilt the baby’s head back slightly and lift the chin. Look, listen, and feel for breathing. Gasping or no breathing? Begin CPR.
5. Give 5 initial rescue breaths.
-
Cover the baby’s nose and mouth with your mouth.
-
Give 5 gentle puffs, watching for chest rise.
6. Begin chest compressions.
-
Use two fingers (index and middle) placed just below the nipple line in the center of the chest.
-
Push down about 1.5 inches deep, at a rate of 100–120 per minute.
-
Give 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.
7. Continue CPR until help arrives.
8. Use an AED if available.
-
Pediatric pads are ideal. If only adult pads are available, they must not touch each other. Apply one on the chest and the other on the back.
Why It’s Critical:
Infants have limited oxygen reserves. According to the American Red Cross, early rescue breathing has the highest success rate in reviving an unconscious infant before irreversible brain damage sets in.
Practical Advice:
-
Never shake a baby to check for responsiveness.
-
Always use gentle puffs, not full-force breaths. Their lungs are tiny and delicate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in CPR
Understanding how to do CPR in adults, children, and babies also means knowing what not to do. Avoiding common mistakes could make the difference between life and death.
Top Mistakes:
-
Failing to call emergency services immediately.
-
Not pressing hard enough during compressions (especially in adults).
-
Interrupting chest compressions too often.
-
Skipping rescue breaths in infants or children, especially in cases of drowning or suffocation.
-
Using too much force when blowing into a child’s or baby’s lungs.
-
Improper hand placement leading to broken ribs or ineffective compressions.
Tip from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE): In workplaces, CPR training should be refreshed every year and full certification every three years.
When to Stop CPR
You should stop performing CPR only when:
-
The person begins to breathe normally or regains consciousness.
-
A medical professional takes over.
-
You are physically exhausted and cannot continue.
-
The scene becomes unsafe.
Otherwise, continue uninterrupted CPR to keep oxygen flowing to the brain.
Conclusion
Knowing how to do CPR in adults, children, and babies isn’t just for medical professionals. It’s a basic life skill—like knowing how to swim or drive—that can mean the difference between life and death.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to try. Research from the American Heart Association confirms that even imperfect CPR is far better than doing nothing at all.
Take the time to get certified, practice with a CPR mannequin, or join a local Red Cross or First Aid class. In an emergency, your hands, your breath, and your courage can give someone a second chance at life.
READ: 10 Essential Contents of a First Aid Box with their Uses
Watch how to do CPR Video