What is the basic CPR sequence for an adult if you are trained?

• A. Check responsiveness, call for help, start chest compressions (30 per cycle) and two rescue breaths; use an AED if available; continue until help arrives.
• B. Call for help, then wait for EMS before starting any actions.
• C. Begin with rescue breaths only for adults.
• D. Verify vital signs for five minutes before initiating CPR.

Answer: (A)

When a trained responder encounters an unresponsive adult who isn’t breathing normally, the key actions are to activate help and start CPR immediately. Begin with chest compressions at a rate of about 100–120 per minute and a depth of roughly 2 inches (5 cm), allowing full recoil between pushes. After every 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths if you are trained and comfortable doing so; otherwise, continue with compressions. Use an AED as soon as it becomes available and follow its prompts. Keep performing cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until professional help arrives or the person shows signs of life.

This approach matters because delivering timely chest compressions maintains blood flow to vital organs, while early defibrillation with an AED greatly improves the chance of survival for a shockable rhythm. Delaying action by waiting for EMS, starting with breaths only for adults, or spending time verifying vital signs before beginning CPR can reduce those survival chances.