If the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing, there are three critical actions you must take:
Open their airway: Place one hand on the casualty’s forehead and two fingers under their chin. Gently tilt their head back and lift the chin
Call 999 and ask for an ambulance
Perform CPR (short for CardioPulmonary Resuscitation): this involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. It helps to keep the casualty's heart and circulation going in an effort to save their life
If the casualty starts breathing normally again, stop CPR and put them in the recovery position.
To carry out chest compressions:
Kneel beside the casualty, level with their chest
Place the heel of your hand on the breastbone at the centre of the casualty's chest
Place your other hand on top of your first hand and interlock your fingers
Lean over the casualty and lock out your arms so they are straight. You will be directly over the casualty. Press straight down by 5–6 cm on their chest
Release the pressure without taking your hands away from the chest, so the chest comes back up fully. This counts as one compression
Repeat 30 times at a rate of around two compressions a second
Now give two rescue breaths
To give rescue breaths:
Open the casualty's mouth to check if there are any obvious obstructions
Check their airway is still open: tilt the casualty's head gently and lift the chin up with two fingers
Pinch the casualty's nose firmly closed
Put your mouth to theirs, making sure that your lips form a seal around the opening of their mouth, and blow steadily
Move your mouth away and let the chest fall
Attempt to give two rescue breaths
Carry on giving 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths for as long as you can, or until help arrives.