If there is anything that could endanger you or the victim, see whether there is something you can do to counteract it. Open a window, turn off the stove, or put out the fire, if possible. However, if there is nothing you can do to counteract the danger, move the victim. The best way to move the victim is by placing a blanket or coat underneath their back and dragging it.

If the victim does not respond, rub their sternum or pinch their earlobe to see if they respond. If they still don’t react, check for a pulse on their neck or under their thumb on the wrist.

To contact emergency services, call• 911 in North America• 000 in Australia• 112 by cell phone in the EU (including the UK)• 999 in the UK and Hong Kong. • 102 in India•1122 in Pakistan • 111 in New Zealand•123 in Egypt•120 in China Give the dispatcher your location, and notify him or her that you’re going to perform CPR. If you’re alone, put your phone on speaker mode so your hands are free to start compressions. If you have someone else with you, do 2-man CPR and keep emergency services on speakerphone.

You should press down by about 2 inches (5 cm). [9] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Do the compressions in a relatively fast rhythm. Some agencies recommend doing compressions to the beat of the chorus of “Stayin’ Alive,” a 1970s disco hit.

Make sure you breathe slowly, as this will make sure the air goes in the lungs. If the breath goes in, you should see the chest slightly rise and also feel it go in. Give a second rescue breath. [10] X Research source If the breath does not go in, re-position the head and try again.

If you suspect a neck injury, pull the jaw forward rather than lifting the chin. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If jaw thrust fails to open the airway, do a careful head tilt and chin lift. If there are no signs of life, place a breathing barrier (if available) over the victim’s mouth.

You should do CPR for 2 minutes (5 cycles of compressions to breaths) before spending time checking for a pulse or a rise and fall in the chest.

Make sure there are no puddles or standing water in the immediate area. [13] X Research source

Make sure the chest is absolutely dry and the victim is not in a puddle. Note that, if the person has a lot of chest hair, you may need to shave it, if possible. Some AED kits come with razors for this purpose.

Make sure no one is touching the person when you apply the shock. Loudly shout, “Stand back!” before administering the shock.

This position is important for near drownings or overdose if there is a risk of vomit.