What is CPR?

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

It is a lifesaving procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood and oxygen flowing when someone is unconscious and not breathing properly.

If a child or person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR can help keep them alive until an ambulance arrives.

When should I do CPR?

You should start CPR if a baby or child:

• is not moving and does not respond when you call them or touch them
• is not breathing, or is only gasping

You should continue CPR until the child or baby is responding or breathing normally again. Only stop CPR if:

• a health care professional arrives and continues CPR
• a health care professional tells you that CPR can be stopped
• you are exhausted and it is impossible to continue

How do I perform CPR on a child or baby?

There are some differences in how to perform CPR for babies and children compared with adults.

For both adults and children and babies, you should use the same ratio of chest compressions and rescue breaths: 30 chest compressions for every 2 mouth-to-mouth breaths.

It is important to start chest compressions as soon as possible. If you have been trained in CPR and are willing to give rescue breaths, then you are encouraged to do so.

Follow these life support steps before starting. You can use the phrase 'DRS ABCD' to help you remember the steps.

DRSABCD ACTION PLAN

Letter	Representing	What to do
D	Danger	Ensure that the child and all people in the area are safe. Do not put yourself or others at risk — remove the danger or the child.
R	Response	Look for a response from the child. Check for a response to a loud voice, tap their foot or squeeze their shoulders. Do not shake the child.
S	Send for help	If there is no response, phone triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance, or ask another person to call. Do not leave the child.
A	Airway	For a baby, gently lift their chin to a neutral position (with the head and neck in line, not tilted). For a child over one years old, slightly tilt their head back and lift the chin. Check in the mouth for any blockages (vomit, an object or loose teeth) and clear it out with your finger.
B	Breathing	Check if the child is breathing abnormally or not breathing at all for 10 seconds. If they are breathing normally, place them in the recovery position and stay with them.
C	CPR	If they are still not breathing, or only gasping, start CPR. Chest compressions are the most important part of CPR. Start chest compressions as soon as possible after calling for help. After doing 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths, if you are comfortable doing so.
D	Defibrillation	If one is available, attach an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible and follow the prompts.

Performing CPR is very tiring. If there is another person with you, take turns at doing the compressions and doing the rescue breaths.

Continue CPR until:

• medical help arrives
• the child starts breathing normally
• the child starts moving, coughing, crying or responding — then put them in the recovery position
• it is not possible to continue CPR (for example, if you are too exhausted)

CPR for babies and children over one year old — videos

Watch this video from Royal Life Saving Australia about how to perform CPR on a baby. Or read the DRS ABCD action plan and step-by-step instructions.

Watch this video from Royal Life Saving Australia about how to perform CPR on a child. Or read the DRS ABCD action plan and step-by-step instructions.

Give 30 chest compressions

1. Place the child on their back on a firm surface.
2. Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the child's chest. Put the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand. In babies, use 2 fingers to compress the chest instead.
3. Keeping your arms straight, press straight down on the chest by ⅓ of the chest depth.
4. Release the pressure. Pressing down and releasing is one compression.

Give mouth-to-mouth breaths

1. For children over one year old: Tilt your child's head back and lift their chin to open their airway.
   For babies under one years old: Maintain a neutral head position to ensure an open airway.
2. Open the child's mouth but avoid touching their neck.
3. Take a breath and place your lips over the child's mouth. Pinch the child's nostrils closed with your finger and thumb. With a baby, you may cover their nose with your mouth too.
4. Blow steadily for about one second, watching for the chest to rise. Release the seal.
5. Turn your head and watch for the chest to fall. Listen and feel for signs that air is being expelled. Keep holding the head tilt and chin lift position.
6. If their chest does not rise, check the mouth again and remove any blockage. Make sure that there is a good seal between yours and the child's mouth so that air cannot easily escape.
7. Take another breath and repeat. This is 2 breaths.

Give 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, known as "30:2"

CPR should be given at a ratio 30:2 for all ages. This means that you should give 30 chest compressions, followed by 2 breaths. Chest compressions should be at a rate of around 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

Rescue breaths are encouraged by those who are trained in CPR and willing to give them

Defibrillation

If there is an automatic external defibrillator (AED) available, attach it and follow the prompts.

Resources and Support

First aid courses

You can learn CPR through a short course. Try St John Ambulance, Australian Red Cross or Royal Life Saving Australia. Look for a course that also teaches first aid for babies and children.

Information and apps to download

Read the St John Ambulance fact sheet on CPR for infants and fact sheet on CPR for adults or children over one year.

Download the Australian Red Cross free First Aid app. This resource gives you access to the most up-to-date CPR advice, wherever you are.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

St John Ambulance Australia has first aid fact sheets in community languages.