Lesson 2: Hands-Only CPR – Adult, Child, Infant

Title: Hands-Only CPR – Adult, Child, Infant
Type: Lesson

What Is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that uses chest compressions — and sometimes rescue breaths — to keep blood and oxygen flowing to the brain when the heart has stopped.

Hands-Only CPR (Adults)

For untrained bystanders or adult victims, the American Heart Association recommends Hands-Only CPR:

1. Call 911

2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest

   • Rate: 100–120 compressions per minute (to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive”)

   • Depth: At least 2 inches

Do not stop until EMS or an AED arrives, or the person begins breathing normally.

When to Give Rescue Breaths

Trained responders should include rescue breaths for:

• Children and infants

• Drowning victims

• Overdose cases

• Prolonged emergencies without quick EMS access

The cycle for trained CPR is:

• 30 compressions, then

• 2 breaths (watch chest rise)

CPR on a Child (1–8 years old)

• Use one or two hands (depending on size)

• Compress chest about 2 inches deep

• Provide rescue breaths if trained

• Avoid pressing too hard — adjust to child’s size

CPR on an Infant (Under 1 Year)

• Use two fingers in the center of the chest

• Compress 1.5 inches deep

• Give gentle rescue breaths

• Support the infant’s head/neck throughout

Never use full chest force — infants are fragile and require gentler care.

Key Point

Any CPR is better than no CPR. If you witness a collapse, begin chest compressions immediately and don’t stop until help arrives.

Next Step

Click “Mark Complete” to continue to Lesson 3: AED Use – When and How, where you’ll learn how to safely apply and use an Automated External Defibrillator.