According to AHA guidelines, chest compressions should be performed at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute for all ages.

For adult CPR, compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).

The compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR is 30:2.

To prevent fatigue and maintain effective compressions, rescuers should switch every 2 minutes.

The first step is to check for responsiveness by tapping the shoulders and shouting, then check for normal breathing.

Each rescue breath should take 1 second and make the chest rise visibly.

Place one pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side of the chest.

If vomiting occurs, turn the victim to the side, clear the airway, return to supine position, and resume CPR.

For infant CPR, compressions should be at least 1.5 inches (4 cm) deep.

Use 2 fingers for single-rescuer infant CPR, placed just below the nipple line.

For 2-rescuer infant and child CPR, the ratio is 15:2.

Use an AED as soon as it becomes available for any child in cardiac arrest.

For conscious choking adults, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).

For conscious choking infants, alternate between 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts.

Don’t interrupt CPR to check for pulse unless the AED is analyzing or the victim shows obvious signs of life.

Take no more than 10 seconds to check for a pulse.

Check for a pulse at the carotid artery in the neck for adults and children.

Check for a pulse at the brachial artery in the upper arm for infants.

AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator.

Never use an AED on a responsive person. The AED is only for unresponsive victims.

If AED pads are touching, reposition them so they don’t touch each other.

The universal sign of choking is hands clutching the throat.

If a choking victim becomes unconscious, start CPR. Look for the object before giving rescue breaths.

Use the head tilt-chin lift maneuver to open the airway in an unconscious victim (unless trauma is suspected).

If spinal injury is suspected, use the jaw thrust maneuver to open the airway.

Place the heel of your hand on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum).

Allow complete chest recoil between compressions to allow the heart to fill with blood.

Give steady breaths over 1 second that make the chest rise visibly.

If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the airway and attempt rescue breathing again.

Pediatric BLS applies to children from 1 year to puberty (approximately 8 years or 55 pounds).

An infant is defined as less than 1 year old for BLS purposes.

For child CPR, compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep, same as adults.

Place the infant on a firm surface or support on your forearm for effective compressions.

For 2-rescuer infant CPR, use 2 thumbs with hands encircling the chest.

If alone with a child victim, provide 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call 911.

Respiratory problems are the most common cause of cardiac arrest in children.

Use pediatric pads if available for children. If not available, use adult pads.

A minimum of 2 rescuers is needed for effective team resuscitation.

The team leader coordinates the team, assigns roles, and ensures effective communication.

Provide constructive coaching and feedback to improve compression quality.

Use clear, direct communication and closed-loop communication during resuscitation.

Closed-loop communication means confirming that instructions were heard, understood, and carried out.

If the victim has a pulse but is not breathing, provide rescue breathing only.

Give rescue breaths every 5-6 seconds (10-12 breaths per minute) for adults with a pulse.

Give rescue breaths every 3-5 seconds (12-20 breaths per minute) for children with a pulse.

The recovery position is used for unconscious victims who have a pulse and are breathing.

If the victim regains consciousness, stop CPR and monitor them closely.

Early CPR is the most important factor in survival from cardiac arrest.

If you’re unsure whether to start CPR, start CPR. It’s better to do CPR on someone who doesn’t need it than to not do it on someone who does.

The Chain of Survival is a series of critical actions that improve the likelihood of survival from cardiac arrest.