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when performing cpr on an adult, you should... ~~

When performing CPR on an adult, you should push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, at a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm), allowing full recoil and minimizing interruptions while emergency help is on the way.

Quick Scoop

“when performing cpr on an adult, you should… ~~”

Here’s the cleared‑up, real‑world version of that unfinished line.

Core steps (DRS–C–A–B style)

  1. Check safety (Danger). Make sure the scene is safe for you and the victim before you touch them.
  1. Check response. Tap their shoulders and shout; if no response and they are not breathing normally or only gasping, treat it as cardiac arrest.
  1. Call for help. Call emergency services (911 or your local number) or shout for someone else to call and bring an AED if available.
  1. Position the person. Lay them flat on their back on a firm surface.
  1. Hand position. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum, the other hand on top, fingers lifted off the ribs.
  1. Body position. Kneel beside the chest, shoulders directly over your hands, elbows locked so you can use your body weight.

What you should do during compressions

When performing CPR on an adult, you should:

  • Push straight down at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
  • Maintain a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute (think of a steady, fast beat).
  • Allow the chest to fully return to its normal position after each compression (full recoil).
  • Minimize pauses in compressions as much as possible; compressions are the most critical part of CPR.

If you are trained and confident in standard CPR:

  • Give cycles of 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (the “30:2” ratio).
  • Each rescue breath should last about 1 second and make the chest rise visibly.

If you are not trained in rescue breaths:

  • Do hands‑only CPR : continuous chest compressions at 100–120 per minute until help arrives or the person starts breathing normally.

When to stop

You continue CPR until:

  • Emergency medical professionals arrive and take over.
  • An AED is attached and prompts you to pause for analysis or shock.
  • The person shows signs of recovery (normal breathing, movement, coughing, talking).
  • You are physically unable to continue.

Simple “fill‑in‑the‑blank” style answer

If this is for a test/question that reads:

“When performing CPR on an adult, you should ______.”

A safe, guideline‑based completion is:

“When performing CPR on an adult, you should place your hands in the center of the chest and give hard, fast compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute, about 2 inches deep, allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions and minimizing interruptions.”

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.