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Red Cross CPR Protocol

American Red Cross CPR protocol promotes a mix of chest compressions and rescue breathing for victims who are unconscious and show no other signs of life. No matter what protocol a responder uses, CPR doubles the chance a person will survive a cardiac event, the University of Washington says.

  1. Signs of Life

    • Red Cross protocol requires a rescuer to establish whether a victim shows signs of life. A rescuer gently shakes the victim, asking if he is OK. If the victim does not answer, the responder calls 911.

    ABC Assessment

    • The Red Cross follows the ABC method (airway, breathing, circulation) in assessments. Responders tilt the head back to open the airway and check for obstructions, then listen for breathing; if a victim is not breathing, responders begin chest compressions at a rate of two breaths through the mouth for every 30 compressions. This rate is the same for adults, children and infants.

    Chest compressions

    • Hand positioning and force for compressions depend on a victim's age. Red Cross guidelines require two hands in the chest center for anyone 12 or older, with compressions to a depth of 1 1/2 to 2 inches. For children under 12, one or two hands rest in the center of the chest, and compressions are from 1 to 1 1/2 inches. For infants, two or three fingers should rest one finger's width below the nipples; compressions are 1/2 to 1 inch deep.

    Time Frame

    • Compressions continue until help arrives, until the responder exhausts his energy or the victim shows signs of life.

    Automated Defibrillator

    • If an automated external defibrillator, or AED, is available to analyze the victim and it advises a shock in needed, do so and then resume two minutes or about five cycles of CPR before allowing the AED to reanalyze the victim.

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