Free Adult CPR Poster
Downloadable step-by-step adult CPR first aid for poster
Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action.
Our free adult CPR poster provides clear, step-by-step guidance for performing CPR on adults.
It is suitable for workplaces and public spaces, helping anyone respond quickly while waiting for emergency services to arrive. The CPR protocols are in line with the current
Resuscitation Council UK guidelines.
Download your free adult CPR first aid poster
Easy-to-follow free first aid poster on performing CPR on adults in an emergency
đ Print-friendly PDF formatđ Recommended for A4 or A3 printing đą Suitable for workplace display
What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving technique when someoneâs heartbeat or breathing has stopped. CPR combines chest compressions to maintain blood flow and rescue breaths to provide oxygen to the brain and vital organs until emergency services arrive.
âCPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The term embraces all the procedures from basic first aid to the most advanced medical interventions that can be used to restore breathing and circulation in someone whose heart and breathing have stopped.â
How to recognise cardiac arrest?
Before starting CPR, check:
The person is unresponsive or unconscious
The person is not breathing normally or is only gasping
Ignore occasional, irregular gasps as these are common in the early stages of cardiac arrest.
What to do if an adult is in cardiac arrest?
If an adult is in cardiac arrest, unconscious and not breathing normally, itâs important to act quickly.
Remember:
Always check the scene is safe before you approach - your safety should come first
Call emergency services immediately (999 or 112 in the UK)
Use speaker phone or have a bystander call so you can begin CPR
Start CPR immediately
If an AED is available, attach the pads as soon as possible
Have a bystander fetch the AED while you begin CPR
Step-by-Step Adult CPR Protocol
Follow these steps when performing CPR on adults:
1. Check, Shout for Help, Call 999 & Fetch an AED
Make sure itâs safe to approach the casualty
Loudly ask, âAre you okay?â
If unresponsive, call 999 immediately and activate speaker phone
Shout for help
Ask a bystander to bring an AED if one is available.
2. Open Airway & Check Breathing
If the casualty doesnât respond, open their airway by gently tilting the casualty's
head back and lifting their chin.
Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for up to 10 seconds
Ignore occasional, irregular gasps, as these are a common symptom of early
cardiac arrest
If they are not breathing normally, start CPR.
3. Give 30 Chest Compressions
Start with chest compressions:
The heel of one hand must be placed in the centre of the chest â the bottom half of the sternum or breastbone.
Place your other hand on top and clasp them together with your arms locked straight.
Push at a depth of at least 5cms but no more than 6cms and at a speed of 100â120 compressions per minute
Deliver 30 chest compressions, followed by 2 rescue breaths
4. Give 2 Rescue Breaths
After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths
Either mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose
Each breath should take no longer than 10 seconds
Ensure the chest rises. If the chest doesnât rise, check:
The airway and head tilt
The casualtyâs mouth for any visible obstruction and remove without risking pushing it deeper
Do not attempt more than two breaths each time
5. Repeat Cycle
Continue 30 compressions + 2 breaths until:
Emergency services arrive
The casualty wakes up, moves, opens their eyes, and starts breathing on their own again
You become too exhausted.
6. Turn on AED & Attach Pads
If an AED is available, attach the pads as soon as possible
Follow the AED prompts.
Why first aid CPR posters alone are not enough?
While adult CPR posters are valuable for workplaces, they do not replace practical first aid training. Hands-on training builds confidence and ensures staff can respond effectively in real emergencies.
As part of your workplace risk assessment, you should identify the necessary first aid safety posters and signage, as well as the most suitable training for your staff.
The team at First Aid Safety delivers in-house workplace first aid training across London and the UK.
Looking for In-House First Aid Training?
The First Aid Safety team delivers expert in-house first aid training at your workplace in London and across the UK.
We offer a range of regulated, HSE-compliant workplace first aid courses which are accredited by Qualifications Network UK, including:
Our comprehensive nationwide network of first-aid training instructors can deliver tailored training to your staff at a time and place that works for you.
Adult CPR Poster FAQs
Call 999
Open the airway and check breathing
Start chest compressions (30)
Give 2 rescue breaths
Repeat cycle
Use an AED if available
Yes. Our poster is print-ready in PDF format. A4 or A3 paper is recommended for maximum visibility.
This CPR poster should be displayed in a clearly visible location, such as:
Near first aid kits and AEDs
Communal areas, such as
Staff rooms
Break rooms
Kitchens and dining areas
High traffic areas, such as:
Reception areas
Hallways
High-risk work areas
Display your adult CPR poster in a prominent location to ensure emergency guidance is easily accessible.
