First, check the area for safety.

Is there traffic, a gas leak, a fire, or downed power lines? You don't want to put yourself in danger and become a victim yourself. Make sure to always check your surroundings.

Check for responsiveness and call for help.

Once you've determined that the scene is safe, check the victim for responsiveness. Look to see if the victim is breathing and if they have a pulse. If the victim is unresponsive, ask someone to call the emergency number and to find an automated external defibrillator (AED) while you start CPR. AEDs can be found in many public places such as schools, office buildings, churches, and fire stations. Look around to notice where there are AEDs in your community.

Apply proper chest compressions.

Chest compressions should be delivered at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute and at a depth of 2 to 2.4 inches (5/6 cm). Try to avoid leaning on the chest and minimize the time you pause between compressions. Maintaining the correct rate can be difficult, but many well-known songs have a BPM between 100 and 120, making them ideal for CPR. The most famous example is the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive".

Providing high-performance CPR is extremely important and can help make the difference between life and death.

Follow the AED prompts.

When the AED arrives, turn it on, attach the pads to the victim's bare chest, and follow the prompts. Most AEDs are user-friendly and simple enough for anyone to use. ZOLL® AEDs won't leave you alone in case of emergency: They have voice prompts, text prompts, and illustrations that guide rescuers through the steps of applying electrodes, providing high-quality CPR, and delivering a defibrillating shock if needed.

If the AED advises a shock, make sure everyone stands clear until the shock is delivered. If the victim remains unresponsive, promptly resume CPR until medical personnel arrive.