When a patient is unconscious and non-responsive, CPR is needed only if they are not breathing normally and have no signs of circulation such as a pulse or purposeful movement. If the person is unconscious but breathing normally, do not start chest compressions; instead, protect the airway and wait for emergency help.

Quick Scoop

  • Unconscious + breathing normally:
    • Call emergency services immediately.
* Gently roll the person into a side-lying recovery position if no spinal injury is suspected, keeping the airway open by tilting the head slightly back.

* Monitor breathing continuously; if it stops or becomes abnormal (gasping), start CPR.
  • Unconscious + not breathing or only gasping:
    • Call or have someone call emergency services and get an AED if available.
* Place the person flat on their back on a firm surface and begin chest compressions in the center of the chest at a rate of 100–120 per minute, about 2 inches (5 cm) deep in adults.

* Use the C‑A‑B sequence (Compressions–Airway–Breathing); if trained, give rescue breaths in cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
  • If you are not formally trained in CPR:
    • Perform “hands‑only” CPR: continuous hard, fast chest compressions in the center of the chest without rescue breaths, until help or an AED arrives or the person shows signs of life.

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