Adult First Aid
A Quick Guide to Administering Basic First Aid on Adults
First Steps
1. Check for their responsiveness (ask if they are ok).
2. If there is no response call 9-1-1, and check for any life-threatening conditions.
3. Open the airway, tilt their head, and lift their chin.
4. Check to see if they are breathing for about 10 seconds (occasional gasps are not breathing).
If they are not breathing, CPR must be Administered.
Give 30 Chest Compressions
Push hard, push fast in the middle of the
chest at least 2 inches deep and at least
100 compressions per minute.
Give Two Rescue Breaths
1. Tilt the head back and lift the chin up.
2. Pinch the nose shut then make a complete
seal over the person’s mouth.
3. Blow in for about 1 second to make the
chest clearly rise.
4. Give rescue breaths, one after the other
Do not Stop Giving CPR
1. You find an obvious sign of life, such as breathing.
2. Another trained responder or EMS personnel take over.
3. You are too exhausted to continue.
4. The scene becomes unsafe
Further Reading
For further in depth reading on the subject, go to this website:
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240170_Adult_ready_reference.pdf