Hands-only CPR has three core parts: check, call, and compress—then keep pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives or an AED is ready to use.

What is hands-only CPR?

Hands-only CPR is CPR without rescue breaths, using continuous chest compressions to keep blood flowing to the brain and heart when someone suddenly collapses and is not breathing normally. It is recommended for untrained bystanders or those unsure about giving rescue breaths during an adult sudden cardiac arrest in public settings.

Step 1: Check the person

Before touching the person, quickly make sure the scene is safe (no traffic, fire, exposed wires, etc.).

  • Tap the person firmly on the shoulder and shout something like “Are you okay?” while looking for normal breathing or movement.
  • Look for normal breathing; occasional gasps or agonal breaths are not considered normal breathing and should be treated as cardiac arrest.
  • If the person is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, prepare to start hands-only CPR.

Step 2: Call emergency services (and get an AED)

Calling for advanced help is as important as starting compressions.

  • Call your local emergency number (for example, 911 in the U.S.) immediately; use speakerphone so you can start compressions while the dispatcher guides you.
  • If others are nearby, assign specific tasks:
    • One person calls emergency services.
    • Another person looks for and brings an AED if available.
  • Do not leave the victim alone if you are the only rescuer; call on speaker and begin CPR right away.

If an AED arrives, turn it on immediately and follow the voice prompts while continuing compressions when advised.

Step 3: Position for compressions

Proper positioning helps you deliver deep, effective compressions and reduces fatigue.

  1. Make sure the person is lying flat on their back on a firm, flat surface such as the floor.
  1. Kneel beside the person’s chest with your knees near their torso, about shoulder-width apart.
  1. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum), between the nipples.
  1. Place the heel of your other hand on top and interlace or hook your fingers so they are lifted off the chest.
  1. Keep your arms straight, lock your elbows, and position your shoulders directly over your hands so you can use your body weight.

Step 4: Give chest compressions (hands-only CPR)

Continuous, high-quality compressions are the heart of hands-only CPR.

  • Push hard:
    • Compress the chest at least 2 inches (about 5 cm) deep for an average adult.
  • Push fast:
    • Aim for 100–120 compressions per minute (about 2 compressions per second).
  • Allow full chest recoil:
    • Let the chest return completely to its normal position after each push; do not lean on the chest.
  • Minimize interruptions:
    • Do not pause except for AED analysis or brief checks when instructed by emergency dispatch or AED prompts.

Some organizations suggest using a song with a tempo around 100–120 beats per minute (for example, certain well-known pop songs) to help keep the rhythm.

Step 5: Continue until help or an AED takes over

Stopping too early can drastically reduce the chance of survival, so persistence matters.

  • Keep doing compressions until:
    • Trained medical help or EMS arrives and takes over.
* An AED tells you to stop or to stand clear for a shock, then resume compressions as directed.

* The person shows clear signs of life (normal breathing, purposeful movement) and can be safely monitored while awaiting EMS.

* You are physically unable to continue due to exhaustion and no one else can take over.

If another bystander is present, switch compressors about every 2 minutes (roughly 5 cycles of 30 if breaths were being used, or similar time intervals with hands-only) to reduce fatigue and keep compressions strong.

Extra points, safety, and limits

  • Hands-only CPR is generally recommended for teens and adults who suddenly collapse in a public setting.
  • For infants and young children, standard CPR with breaths is usually preferred; formal training is strongly advised for caregivers.
  • When possible, use disposable gloves and avoid direct contact with bodily fluids, but do not delay starting compressions if gloves are not immediately available.

Hands-only CPR is meant as an emergency bridge, not a replacement for full CPR training; taking an accredited CPR course greatly improves skill and confidence in real emergencies.

TL;DR:
Check responsiveness and breathing, call emergency services (and get an AED if available), then push hard and fast in the center of the chest—at least 2 inches deep and 100–120 times per minute—letting the chest fully rise each time, and keep going until professionals or an AED take over.

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