Terrified to Act? How to Perform CPR and Medically Approved Life-Saving Steps

It's normal to feel scared in a medical emergency. Many people worry they'll "do it wrong." But when someone's heart stops or they stop breathing, doing something is far better than doing nothing. Knowing how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can double or even triple a person's chance of survival.

This guide explains how to perform CPR in clear, simple steps based on medically approved recommendations. No complicated medical language—just what you need to know to act confidently.

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First: What Is CPR and Why Does It Matter?

CPR is a life-saving technique used when someone:

• Stops breathing
• Has no pulse
• Collapses and becomes unresponsive

CPR keeps blood and oxygen moving to the brain and vital organs until emergency medical professionals arrive. Brain damage can begin within minutes when oxygen stops flowing. Acting quickly truly matters.

You do not need to be perfect. You just need to begin.

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Step 1: Check the Scene and the Person

Before starting CPR:

• Make sure the area is safe for you.
• Tap the person firmly on the shoulder.
• Shout: "Are you okay?"

If they do not respond:

• Call emergency services immediately (or ask someone else to call).
• If available, ask someone to get an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

If the person is not breathing normally (gasping does not count as normal breathing), start CPR right away.

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How to Perform CPR on an Adult (Hands-Only CPR)

If you are untrained or unsure about rescue breaths, hands-only CPR is highly effective.

1. Position Your Hands

• Place the person flat on their back on a firm surface.
• Kneel beside their chest.
• Put the heel of one hand in the center of their chest (between the nipples).
• Place your other hand on top.
• Lock your elbows and keep your shoulders directly over your hands.

2. Start Chest Compressions

Push hard and fast.

• Compress at least 2 inches deep.
• Allow the chest to fully rise between compressions.
• Aim for 100–120 compressions per minute.
• Think of the rhythm of a fast, steady beat.

Do not stop unless:

• The person starts breathing.
• Emergency responders take over.
• You are physically unable to continue.

Continuous chest compressions are the most important part of how to perform CPR.

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How to Perform CPR With Rescue Breaths (If Trained)

If you are trained and feel confident, you can add rescue breaths.

Use a 30:2 Ratio

• 30 chest compressions
• 2 rescue breaths

How to Give Rescue Breaths

1. Tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin.
2. Pinch the nose shut.
3. Seal your mouth over theirs.
4. Give one breath lasting about 1 second.
5. Watch for the chest to rise.
6. Give a second breath.

If the chest does not rise:

• Reposition the head.
• Check for visible blockage in the mouth.

Then continue compressions.

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Using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

An AED is designed for public use. It gives voice instructions and will not shock unless needed.

If an AED is available:

• Turn it on.
• Attach the pads as shown in the diagrams.
• Follow the voice prompts.
• Resume CPR immediately after any shock.

AEDs dramatically improve survival when used quickly.

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How to Perform CPR on Children and Infants

The steps are similar, but there are important differences.

For Children (1 Year to Puberty)

• Use one or two hands depending on their size.
• Compress about 2 inches deep.
• If alone, give 2 minutes of CPR before calling emergency services.

For Infants (Under 1 Year)

• Use two fingers in the center of the chest.
• Compress about 1.5 inches deep.
• Use gentle rescue breaths (small puffs of air).

If you are not trained, still perform chest compressions. Doing something is better than doing nothing.

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What If the Person Is Choking?

Choking can lead to a lack of oxygen. Signs include:

• Inability to speak
• Grabbing at the throat
• Blue lips or face
• Silent attempts to breathe

If the person can cough, encourage coughing.

If they cannot breathe or speak:

• Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).
• Continue until the object is expelled or they become unconscious.
• If unconscious, begin CPR.

If you're concerned about recognizing the signs of oxygen deprivation, check Ubie's free Asphyxiation symptom checker to better understand the warning signs and get medically-reviewed guidance on breathing emergencies.

However, if someone is not breathing, do not delay—call emergency services immediately.

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Common Fears About Performing CPR

"What if I break a rib?"

Broken ribs can happen. Survival is more important than an intact rib. Chest compressions must be deep enough to move blood.

"What if I do it wrong?"

Doing CPR imperfectly is better than not doing it at all.

"Can I be sued?"

Good Samaritan laws in many areas protect people who provide emergency help in good faith.

"What if they aren't actually in cardiac arrest?"

If a person is unconscious and not breathing normally, CPR is appropriate.

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When Should You Stop CPR?

Continue CPR until:

• Emergency responders arrive.
• The person shows clear signs of life (normal breathing, movement).
• You are physically exhausted and cannot continue.
• The scene becomes unsafe.

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Prevention and Preparedness

Knowing how to perform CPR is powerful. But being prepared is even better.

Consider:

• Taking a certified CPR course.
• Learning how to use an AED.
• Keeping emergency numbers easily accessible.
• Teaching family members basic CPR.

Emergencies rarely give warnings. Preparation reduces panic.

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After an Emergency

If you perform CPR:

• You may feel emotional afterward. This is normal.
• Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you feel distressed.
• Follow up with your own doctor if you were exposed to bodily fluids.

If someone survives after CPR, they will require immediate hospital care to determine the cause of cardiac arrest or breathing failure.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

If you or someone you care for has:

• A heart condition
• Breathing disorders
• A history of choking episodes
• Fainting spells
• Chest pain
• Severe allergic reactions

You should speak to a doctor about prevention and emergency planning.

Any situation that could be life-threatening or serious deserves medical evaluation. Never rely solely on online information when immediate care may be required.

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The Bottom Line: You Are More Capable Than You Think

Learning how to perform CPR is not about being perfect. It's about being willing to act.

In an emergency:

• Check responsiveness.
• Call for help.
• Start chest compressions.
• Push hard and fast.
• Use an AED if available.

Those simple steps can save a life.

You don't need medical school. You don't need special equipment. You just need the courage to begin.

If you haven't already, consider taking a CPR class soon. It turns fear into confidence—and confidence into action.

And remember: in any situation involving collapse, breathing problems, or possible asphyxiation, call emergency services immediately and speak to a doctor about anything that could be life threatening or serious.

Your willingness to act could mean everything to someone else.