Adult CPR: Step-by-Step Guide | 2025 AHA BLS Guidelines

Adult CPR can save a life when cardiac arrest occurs. In this video, I demonstrate the essential steps of adult CPR based on the 2025 American Heart Association Basic Life Support guidelines. You will learn how to recognize possible cardiac arrest, activate the emergency response system, position your hands correctly, perform high-quality chest compressions, provide ventilations when appropriate, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Key CPR points covered in this video: • Compression rate: 100–120 compressions per minute • Compression depth: at least 5 cm (2 in) for an average adult while avoiding depths greater than 6 cm (2.4 in) • Allow complete chest recoil • Minimize interruptions in compressions • For trained rescuers without an advanced airway: 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths • Use an AED as soon as it is available This video is intended for education and review. It is not a substitute for an accredited BLS/CPR course, local emergency protocols, institutional policies, or hands-on skills assessment. About the creator Saleh Abual-Haija, RN, CHSE®, holds a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Simulation and works in healthcare simulation, clinical education, resuscitation training, and instructor development. Subscribe to The Healthcare Simulationist for concise, evidence-informed videos on healthcare simulation, clinical education, and resuscitation training. CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 0:45 Check responsiveness and breathing 1:26 Call for help and get an AED 1:54 Correct hand placement 2:20 Compression rate and depth 2:47 Full chest recoil and minimizing interruptions 3:17 Give breaths 3:54 Use the AED and continue CPR REFERENCES & EDUCATIONAL SOURCES • American Heart Association. 2025 Guidelines for CPR and ECC - Adult Basic Life Support. • Kleinman ME, et al. Part 7: Adult Basic Life Support: 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC. Circulation. 2025;152(suppl 2):S448-S478. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001369 • American Heart Association. What is CPR? MEDIA CREDITS • Chest-compression footage: Video by Bangkok Hospital Phuket; segment extracted and converted by Mikael Häggström. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons. Adapted for this educational video with cropping/looping and instructional overlays. Source | CC BY 3.0 License • Background music: Original 103 BPM disco-style instrumental created for this video. #CPR #BLS #AdultCPR #AED #HealthcareEducation #TheHealthcareSimulationist