Key Takeaways
- CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is an emergency first aid procedure performed when a person’s heart stops or they stop breathing normally.
- The 7 steps of CPR are structured around the DRSABCD action plan — the framework endorsed by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC).
- Starting CPR without delay after cardiac arrest can dramatically increase a person’s survival chances before paramedics reach the scene.
- Correct CPR technique combines 30 chest compressions with 2 rescue breaths, delivered at 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- The nationally accredited HLTAID009 course from First Aid Pro is the gold standard for CPR training in Sydney and across NSW — enrol today.
Why Every Sydneysider Should Know How to Perform CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency first aid procedure carried out when a person’s heart stops beating or they cease breathing normally. It is arguably the single most important skill any person can learn — and among the most straightforward to acquire.
For every minute that passes without CPR following a cardiac arrest, a person’s likelihood of survival drops by around 10 per cent. Without intervention, the brain and vital organs are starved of oxygenated blood, with irreversible damage beginning within just a few minutes. Bystander CPR — performed by an ordinary member of the public before emergency services arrive — is one of the most powerful tools in modern emergency medicine.
Across Australia, cardiac arrest occurs outside of hospital more than 25,000 times per year. Survival rates remain lower than they should be, largely because CPR is not started promptly enough. In Sydney and throughout NSW, when a bystander begins CPR immediately and sustains it until paramedics take over, survival rates can increase significantly.
Ready to gain a skill that genuinely saves lives? Enrol in First Aid Pro’s nationally recognised HLTAID009 CPR course — available face-to-face across Sydney, as a blended course, or live online via Zoom. Secure your place today.
How CPR Works to Sustain Life During Cardiac Arrest
When the heart stops, oxygenated blood ceases to circulate. After just four to six minutes without oxygen, brain damage begins. CPR sustains circulation artificially — chest compressions manually pump the heart, while rescue breaths (ventilations) restore some oxygen to the blood. Together, these actions bridge the gap between collapse and the arrival of professional emergency care, including defibrillation and advanced paramedic treatment.
Even hands-only CPR — chest compressions without rescue breaths — produces meaningful results, particularly in the critical first minutes following cardiac arrest in adults.
Why Being CPR-Trained Makes You a Valuable Community Member
Most cardiac arrests in Australia happen at home or in the community — not in hospital. The person most likely to be first on the scene is not a paramedic; it is a family member, colleague, or bystander. CPR training removes the paralysis of uncertainty. When you know what to do, you act — and that action saves lives.
First Aid Pro’s HLTAID009 training is aligned with Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines, equipping every participant with practical skills and the confidence to respond effectively in a real emergency — whether that emergency occurs in Sydney’s CBD, the suburbs, or anywhere across NSW.
What Is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and How Does It Work?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths that artificially maintains circulation and oxygenation when the heart has stopped. The name explains the process: cardio (heart), pulmonary (lungs), resuscitation (revival).
In Australia, CPR is governed by ANZCOR (Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation) guidelines, which are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest clinical evidence.
The Role of Compressions and Rescue Breaths in Keeping Organs Alive
Chest compressions manually drive blood to the brain and vital organs. Each compression should depress the chest by approximately 5 to 6 cm, delivered at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute — a rhythm close to the tempo of the Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive.
Rescue breaths introduce air into the lungs, maintaining some level of oxygenation in the circulating blood. The standard ratio for adult CPR is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, repeated continuously until professional help takes over or the person begins to breathe normally.
CPR on Adults, Children and Infants — Key Differences
Patient Type | Compression Depth | Compression Ratio | Technique |
Adult | 5–6 cm | 30:2 | Two hands (heel of one hand, other on top) |
Child (1–8 yrs) | 5 cm | 30:2 | One or two hands |
Infant (under 1 yr) | 4 cm | 30:2 | Two fingers |
While compression depth and hand technique vary between age groups, the 30:2 ratio of compressions to breaths remains consistent. These differences form a core part of the HLTAID009 curriculum taught by First Aid Pro across Sydney.
The DRSABCD Action Plan — Australia's Emergency Response Framework
What Does DRSABCD Stand For?
DRSABCD is the step-by-step emergency response framework used by Australian first aiders, paramedics and emergency personnel. It stands for:
- D — Danger
- R — Response
- S — Send for Help
- A — Airway
- B — Breathing
- C — CPR
- D — Defibrillation
Endorsed by the Australian Resuscitation Council, DRSABCD forms the foundation of CPR education across Australia — including at First Aid Pro’s training centres in Sydney and across NSW.
Why DRSABCD Is the Gold Standard for Emergency CPR Response
The DRSABCD sequence provides a clear, memorable order of actions that helps any responder — trained or not — take the correct steps during a high-pressure emergency. It reduces hesitation, prevents critical steps from being skipped, and gives ordinary people a framework they can apply with confidence.
The 7 Steps of CPR — A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
The following guide walks through each stage of the DRSABCD action plan in full practical detail. This is your handy CPR guide for Sydney and NSW.
Step 1 — D for Danger: Assessing the Scene Before You Act
Before approaching a collapsed person, scan the immediate environment for hazards — traffic, electrical sources, fire, unstable structures, or anything that poses a risk to you or the casualty. Do not become a second victim.
If the scene is unsafe, do not enter. Call 000, report the situation and wait for emergency services. Only proceed when conditions allow you to do so safely. Safe manual handling also begins at this point — consider how you will approach and position the person without injuring yourself.
Step 2 — R for Response: Checking for Consciousness
Once you have established the scene is safe, assess whether the person is conscious. Tap their shoulders firmly and call out: “Can you hear me? Open your eyes.”
If the person is unresponsive. Lay them on their back on a firm, flat surface. Record the time if possible — this information assists paramedics when they arrive. You are now managing an unconscious casualty.
Step 3 — S for Send for Help: Calling 000 Without Delay
Call 000 immediately — or direct a specific bystander to do so. Do not leave the person unattended to make the call if it can be avoided. Point directly at one person in the crowd and give a clear instruction: “You — call 000 now and ask for an ambulance.”
Ask other bystanders to locate the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED). In Sydney, AED units are installed in many public spaces, workplaces, sports clubs and transport hubs across the city.
Do not wait for the ambulance to arrive before commencing CPR. Time is critical.
Don’t wait for a crisis to discover you lack the skills to respond. Gain the confidence to act with First Aid Pro’s HLTAID009 CPR course — nationally recognised, valid for 12 months in most workplaces, and available across Sydney and NSW. Enrol now.
Step 4 — A for Airway: Opening and Clearing the Airway
Kneel beside the person and open their airway using the head-tilt chin-lift technique: place one hand on their forehead and gently tilt the head back, then use two fingers of your other hand to lift the chin. This is the standard Australian method for opening the airway.
Check inside the mouth for any visible obstruction — vomit, food, or a foreign object. If present, carefully remove it. Do not perform a blind finger sweep.
Maintain the head in a slightly extended position to keep the airway open. In infants, keep the head in a neutral position — over-extension can actually obstruct the airway.
Step 5 — B for Breathing: Checking for Normal Breathing
With the airway open, look, listen and feel for normal breathing for no longer than 10 seconds:
- Look — watch for the chest to rise and fall
- Listen — place your ear close to the mouth and listen for breath sounds
- Feel — feel for air being expelled against your cheek
Breathing Status | Action Required |
Breathing normally | Place in recovery position, monitor and await ambulance |
Not breathing normally | Begin CPR immediately |
Occasional gasping (agonal breathing) | Treat as not breathing — begin CPR immediately |
Agonal breathing — irregular, gasping reflexes — is not normal breathing. If there is any doubt, begin CPR without delay.
Step 6 — C for CPR: Performing Chest Compressions and Rescue Breaths
This is the core of the CPR procedure. To perform CPR correctly on an adult:
Chest Compressions
- Kneel beside the person at shoulder level.
- Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest — on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum).
- Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers, keeping them raised off the chest.
- Keep your arms straight and press directly downward, compressing the chest 5 to 6 cm.
- Release fully after each compression — allow the chest to recoil completely.
- Deliver 30 compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.
Rescue Breaths (Mouth-to-Mouth)
- After 30 compressions, tilt the head back and lift the chin.
- Pinch the nose closed using the hand on the forehead.
- Form a complete seal over their mouth and give a steady breath lasting approximately 1 second — enough to see the chest rise.
- Allow the chest to fall as air is expelled.
- Deliver a second rescue breath.
- If the chest does not rise on the first breath, recheck the head position and try again before returning to compressions.
Return immediately to 30 chest compressions. This 30:2 cycle constitutes one complete round of CPR. Two minutes of uninterrupted CPR equals approximately 5 full cycles.
Hands-Only CPR: If you are unwilling or unable to give rescue breaths, hands-only CPR — compressions without ventilation — is still highly beneficial, particularly in adults during the initial minutes of cardiac arrest.
Continue CPR until: the person begins breathing normally; a trained responder takes over; the AED is ready to use; or you are physically no longer able to continue.
Step 7 — D for Defibrillation: Using an AED to Restore Heart Rhythm
An automated external defibrillator (AED) delivers a controlled electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. When combined with CPR, AED use significantly increases survival rates from cardiac arrest.
Step | Action |
1 | Power on the AED — open the lid or press the power button |
2 | Attach the electrode pads as shown in the diagrams printed on them |
3 | Follow the voice prompts — the AED will guide you through each step |
4 | Ensure nobody is touching the person while the AED analyses the heart rhythm |
5 | If a shock is advised, stand clear and press the shock button |
6 | Resume CPR immediately after the shock has been delivered |
AEDs are purpose-built for use by anyone — no medical background required. The step-by-step voice guidance makes them straightforward to operate. Practising with an AED training device as part of the HLTAID009 course builds the muscle memory and confidence needed to act without hesitation in a real emergency.
How Long Should You Continue CPR? The 2-Minute Rule Explained
The national assessment requirement for CPR certification in Australia is a minimum of 2 minutes of continuous single-rescuer CPR, equivalent to 5 complete cycles of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
In practice, keep performing CPR until the ambulance arrives and paramedics assume care, or until the person clearly begins breathing on their own. Do not pause to check for signs of life during CPR unless there is an obvious change in the person’s condition.
Legal Protections and Infection Control for First Aiders in NSW
Good Samaritan Laws — Your Legal Rights as a First Aider in NSW
Good Samaritan legislation is in place across every Australian state and territory, including NSW. Provided you act in good faith and within the limits of your training, you are protected from civil liability. Holding a nationally accredited CPR qualification through a provider such as First Aid Pro further supports your standing as a competent, prepared responder.
Infection Control During CPR
Where available, use personal protective equipment (PPE) including disposable gloves and a face shield or CPR mask when delivering rescue breaths. If PPE is not to hand and you are unwilling to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, switch to hands-only CPR. Infection control procedures are a core component of the HLTAID009 course.
CPR certification is valid in most workplaces for 12 months — is yours still current? Book your HLTAID009 CPR course with First Aid Pro in Sydney today and leave equipped with the practical skills and confidence to save a life. Find a course near you.
What You Will Learn in the HLTAID009 Course
Course Learning Outcomes
- The complete DRSABCD action plan applied in realistic emergency scenarios
- CPR techniques for adults, children and infants using ARC-compliant manikins
- Hands-on practice operating an AED training device
- Recognition and management of unconscious casualties
- Legal responsibilities and infection control protocols for first aiders in NSW
- Practical assessment — 2 minutes of uninterrupted CPR evaluated by a qualified instructor
Quick Knowledge Check: How Well Do You Know the 7 Steps of CPR?
Test your understanding of the essential CPR process with this short interactive quiz.
Common CPR Mistakes to Avoid
Even trained responders can make mistakes during a stressful emergency. Avoiding these common CPR errors can improve the chances of survival and ensure effective resuscitation.
Incorrect Hand Placement
- Hands placed too high or too low on the chest reduce compression effectiveness.
- Correct placement is on the centre of the chest on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum).
Compressing Too Slowly or Too Quickly
- Chest compressions must follow the correct rhythm.
- The recommended compression rate is 100–120 compressions per minute.
Not Compressing Deep Enough
- Shallow compressions do not circulate enough blood to vital organs.
- Adult compressions should reach a depth of approximately 5–6 cm.
Leaning on the Chest
- Failing to allow full chest recoil prevents the heart from refilling with blood.
- Release pressure completely after each compression.
Interrupting CPR Too Often
- Stopping compressions frequently reduces blood circulation.
- Continue CPR with minimal interruptions until help arrives or the person recovers.
Delaying the Use of an AED
- An Automated External Defibrillator greatly improves survival chances.
- Apply the AED as soon as it becomes available and follow its prompts.
References
- Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR). Guideline 8 — Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Updated 2021.
- Heart Foundation (Australia): What Is a Cardiac Arrest?
- health direct: How to perform CPR
- Better Health Channel: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- First Aid Pro. HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation — Course Overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 7 steps of CPR in Australia?
The 7 steps of CPR in Australia follow the DRSABCD action plan: Danger, Response, Send for Help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, and Defibrillation. Each step follows a deliberate sequence designed to give the casualty the best possible chance of survival before professional help arrives.
What is the correct depth for chest compressions in adult CPR?
For adult CPR, the chest should be compressed to a depth of 5 to 6 cm. Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the breastbone, cover with your other hand, interlock the fingers, keep your arms straight and compress at a rate of 100 to 120 times per minute.
When should you stop performing CPR?
Continue CPR until the person resumes normal breathing, a trained responder takes over, the AED is ready to deliver a shock, or you are physically unable to carry on. Do not stop to check for signs of life unless the person’s condition clearly changes.
Can you perform CPR without giving rescue breaths?
Yes. Hands-only CPR — compressions without mouth-to-mouth — is recommended when you are unable or unwilling to deliver rescue breaths. It remains highly effective, particularly for adults in the initial minutes of cardiac arrest. Rescue breaths become increasingly important when CPR is required for a prolonged period, for drowning victims or when treating children and infants.
How often should I renew my CPR certification in Sydney?
CPR certification through a nationally accredited course such as HLTAID009 is valid for 12 months in most Australian workplaces. The Australian Resuscitation Council strongly recommends annual renewal to ensure your skills stay current and reflect the latest clinical guidelines.
