BLS Adult CPR Algorithm - 2025 Guidelines Coming Soon

The BLS Adult CPR Algorithm is your roadmap for saving lives during cardiac emergencies. This systematic approach, developed by the American Heart Association, gives healthcare providers and trained responders the exact steps needed to perform high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation on adult patients.

When someone’s heart stops beating, every second counts. The BLS Adult CPR Algorithm removes guesswork from emergency situations. It provides a clear, step-by-step process that maximizes the chances of survival while maintaining consistent care quality across different responders.

This algorithm isn’t just for doctors and nurses. EMTs, dental professionals, fitness trainers, and other certified individuals rely on this proven framework daily. Understanding each component helps you respond confidently when faced with a cardiac emergency.

What is the BLS Adult CPR Algorithm?

The BLS (Basic Life Support) Adult CPR Algorithm is a standardized sequence of actions established by organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA). It is designed for managing adult victims of sudden cardiac arrest. The algorithm guides a rescuer through a series of steps to maximize the effectiveness of CPR and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. It prioritizes early recognition, immediate activation of the emergency response system, high-quality chest compressions, and rapid defibrillation.

Following this algorithm ensures that critical interventions are performed in the correct order without delay. It streamlines the process, removing guesswork and allowing rescuers to focus on delivering life-saving care.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Algorithm

When you encounter someone who may be in cardiac arrest, follow these steps methodically. The algorithm is designed to be simple and effective, even in high-stress situations.

Step 1: Ensure Scene Safety and Check for Responsiveness

Before approaching the victim, quickly scan the area to ensure it is safe for you and others. Look for hazards like traffic, fire, or electrical wires. Once the scene is confirmed to be safe, check if the person is responsive.

Tap the person’s shoulder firmly and shout, “Are you okay?”
If the person is unresponsive, immediately proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Activate the Emergency Response System

Time is critical. As soon as you determine the person is unresponsive, you need to get professional help on the way.

If you are alone: Shout for nearby help. If no one responds, use your mobile phone to call 911 (or your local emergency number). Put the phone on speaker so you can communicate with the dispatcher while starting CPR.
If others are present: Point to a specific person and tell them, “You, call 911 and get an AED!” Being direct and assigning tasks prevents confusion and ensures action is taken swiftly.

Step 3: Assess Breathing and Pulse

Simultaneously check for breathing and a pulse. This check should take no more than 10 seconds.

Check for Breathing: Look at the chest to see if it is rising and falling. Listen for breath sounds. It’s important to distinguish between normal breathing and agonal gasps, which are not effective breaths and are a sign of cardiac arrest.
Check for a Pulse: Place two fingers on the carotid artery, located in the groove on the side of the neck.
If there is no pulse and no normal breathing (or only gasping), you must begin CPR immediately.
If there is a pulse but no normal breathing, start rescue breathing. Give one breath every 5 to 6 seconds. Recheck the pulse every two minutes.

If you are a lay rescuer and are unsure if you feel a pulse, it’s best to assume there is no pulse and begin CPR. Starting compressions is vital.

Step 4: Perform High-Quality CPR

High-quality CPR is the cornerstone of the BLS algorithm. It involves cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.

Chest Compressions: Position yourself beside the victim. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone. Place your other hand on top and interlace your fingers.
- Rate: Push at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. A helpful way to keep pace is to think of the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive.”
- Depth: Compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
- Recoil: Allow the chest to fully recoil (return to its normal position) after each compression. This allows the heart to refill with blood. Minimize interruptions between compressions.
Rescue Breaths: After 30 compressions, open the airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Pinch the nose shut and give two breaths, each lasting about one second. Watch for the chest to rise with each breath.

Step 5: Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

As soon as an AED is available, use it immediately. An AED can analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electrical shock (defibrillation) if needed, which can restore a normal heartbeat.

Turn on the AED and follow its clear voice prompts.
Attach the pads to the victim’s bare chest as shown in the diagrams on the pads.
Plug in the pad connector.
The AED will analyze the heart rhythm. Ensure no one is touching the victim during analysis.
If a shock is advised, the AED will charge. Once it’s ready, ensure everyone is clear by shouting “Clear!” and press the shock button.
Immediately after the shock is delivered, resume CPR, starting with chest compressions. If no shock is advised, resume CPR immediately.

Step 6: Continue Until Help Arrives

Continue the cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths, following the AED’s prompts every two minutes. If there are two rescuers, switch the role of compressor every two minutes (or five cycles) to prevent fatigue and maintain the quality of compressions.

Continue CPR until:

Advanced medical personnel arrive and take over.
The person shows obvious signs of life, such as breathing normally.
The scene becomes unsafe.

Get Your Official Certification with Us

Reading about the BLS Adult CPR Algorithm is the first step, but true confidence comes from hands-on training. At Safety Training Seminars, we provide official American Heart Association (AHA) certification courses that turn knowledge into life-saving skills. Since 1989, our woman-owned business has been dedicated to offering high-quality, accessible training across more than 70 locations in California.

Our BLS certification program is designed for medical professionals and anyone who wants to be prepared. The process is simple: complete the online AHA module at your own pace, then come to one of our local offices for a brief, 30-minute skills test. You’ll receive your official AHA certification card the very same day. We guarantee the lowest prices in California and have thousands of 5-star reviews from satisfied clients. Book your appointment today and join the community of individuals empowered to save a life.