What to do when someone is not breathing

back and lift the chin. STEP 2: Check their breathing

Maintain the head tilt and chin lift, and look for chest movement. Listen for the sounds of normal breathing and see if you can feel their breaths on your cheek.

If they are not breathing, you need to start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation – a combination of chest pressure and rescue breaths) straight away. STEP 3: Call for help and start CPR

Call 999 for an ambulance or get someone else to do it.

Next you’ll need to perform CPR – cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This involves giving someone chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep their heart and circulation going.

If they start breathing normally again, stop CPR and put them in the recovery position. STEP 4: Giving chest compressions

Kneel down beside the casualty on the floor, level with their chest

Place the heel of one hand towards the end of their breastbone, in the centre of their chest

Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers, making sure you keep the fingers off the ribs

Lean over the casualty, with your arms straight, pressing down vertically on the breastbone, and press the chest down by 5-6cm (2-2½in)

Release the pressure without removing your hands from their chest. Allow the chest to come back up fully – this is one compression

Repeat 30 times, at a rate of about twice a second or the speed of the song Staying Alive

Give two rescue breaths STEP 5: How to give a rescue breath

Ensure the casualty’s airway is open Pinch their nose firmly closed Take a deep breath and seal your lips around their mouth

Blow into the mouth until the chest rises

Remove your mouth and allow the chest to fall

Repeat once more