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How to Perform CPR: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide

You're at Henley Beach on a summer afternoon. A man collapses on the sand, unresponsive and not breathing. People gather, unsure what to do. Someone calls 000 — but you know the ambulance won't arrive in under 8 minutes.

Emma Thompson

Senior First Aid Instructor

How to Perform CPR: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide

27 Jan 26

What happens in those first minutes could mean life or death. That's where CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) comes in.

This article — part of our Complete Guide to First Aid & CPR Training in Australia — gives you a step-by-step beginner's guide to performing CPR, why it matters, and how you can practise it in a safe training environment in Adelaide.

Step 1: Check for Danger

Before helping, make sure the area is safe for you and the person. Don't put yourself at risk.

📍 Example: If someone collapses near a busy road in Adelaide's CBD, move them to a safer space if possible.

Step 2: Check for Response

Tap their shoulders and call out loudly: "Can you hear me?" If there is no response, move to the next step.

Step 3: Send for Help

Dial 000 immediately.
Ask someone nearby to grab an AED (defibrillator) if available. Many public places in Adelaide (shopping centres, train stations, gyms) now have them.

Step 4: Airway

Tilt the head back and open the mouth. Remove any visible obstruction (like food).

Step 5: Breathing

Look for chest movement, listen for breaths, and feel for airflow. If not breathing normally, start CPR.

Step 6: CPR

Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest, the other hand on top.
Push down firmly (about 5cm deep) at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute (think of the beat to "Stayin' Alive").
Give 30 compressions + 2 breaths if trained. If not, perform hands-only CPR (just compressions).

📍 Example: At Marion Shopping Centre, if someone collapses, you can perform compressions until security arrives with an AED.

Step 7: Defibrillation (AED)

As soon as an AED arrives:

Open it and follow the voice prompts.
Attach pads to the chest as shown in the diagrams.
Step back when instructed and let it deliver a shock.

AEDs are designed for anyone to use — no medical training required.

Why Practising CPR in Training is Essential

Reading steps online helps — but it doesn't replace practice. In Adelaide training sessions, you'll:

Practise compressions on manikins.
Learn to follow AED prompts.
Run through real-life scenarios, so you're calm when it counts.

Soft CTA:

Want confidence you can rely on? Join a CPR training session in Adelaide — daily classes available in the CBD, Glenelg, Marion, and Norwood.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Too shallow compressions → not enough blood flow.
Stopping too soon → CPR must continue until professionals take over.
Worrying about "doing it wrong" → doing something is always better than doing nothing.

How This Fits Into the Bigger Picture

This step-by-step guide gives you the basics. But for real emergencies, nothing replaces hands-on practice. That's why we cover CPR in detail in our Complete Guide to First Aid & CPR Training in Australia.

Conclusion: Don't Just Read — Practise

CPR is simple, powerful, and life-saving. But confidence only comes from practice. In an emergency, you won't have time to check your phone — you'll rely on what you've trained your body to do.

Ready to learn?

📅 Ready to learn CPR? Book your CPR course in Adelaide today.
👥 For workplaces: Arrange onsite CPR training for your team.

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📅 Ready to book? See upcoming First Aid & CPR sessions in Adelaide.
👥 Employers: Book onsite group training for your Adelaide workplace today.

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