CPR Cheat Sheet 2026
The 30 highest-yield CPR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.
- What is the maximum time compressions should be paused to deliver rescue breaths? → 10 seconds
- What is the correct compression depth for child CPR? → At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
- What is the recommended rate of rescue breaths per minute when providing rescue breathing alone (pulse present but no normal breathing) to an adult? → 10–12 breaths per minute
- What is the recommended action if a trained rescuer cannot deliver rescue breaths due to a barrier device not being available? → Perform hands-only CPR with continuous chest compressions
- How often does the AHA update its CPR and ECC guidelines? → Every 5 years with continuous evidence updates in between
- What is the primary purpose of CPR? → To maintain blood flow to vital organs until advanced care arrives
- If two AED pads cannot fit on a small child's chest without overlapping, how should you reposition them? → Use an anteroposterior (front-to-back) pad placement
- Which of the following is a sign that CPR may be effective? → A palpable pulse during compressions and chest rise with breaths
- How should you open the airway in an infant? → Neutral or slightly sniffing position (gentle tilt)
- Where is the first AED pad placed on an adult? → Right chest below the collarbone (right of sternum)
- What does AED stand for? → Automatic External Defibrillator
- When performing rescue breathing on an adult, how long should each breath be delivered? → About 1 second
- Which condition is CPR NOT appropriate for? → A victim with a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order
- Where is the correct pulse check location for a child? → Carotid (neck) or femoral (groin)
- What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious child or infant? → The tongue falling back into the throat
- What is the correct technique to open an unresponsive adult's airway before delivering rescue breaths? → Head-tilt chin-lift
- What is the correct hand position for adult chest compressions? → Heel of one hand on the lower sternum with the other hand on top, fingers interlaced
- A rescuer notices the victim's stomach rising during rescue breaths. What is the BEST corrective action? → Reposition the airway and give smaller, slower breaths
- After turning on an AED and attaching the pads, what is the next step? → Allow the AED to analyze the rhythm
- Which federal law requires AEDs in federal buildings and on aircraft in the US? → The Public Health Service Act
- A bystander witnesses a person with a known seizure disorder fall and become unresponsive. What is the first priority? → Check for responsiveness and breathing to determine if CPR is needed
- What is the recommended response to an infant who is choking and showing signs of complete airway obstruction? → Alternating 5 back slaps and 5 chest thrusts
- What should you do first when you find an unresponsive adult? → Check for responsiveness by tapping shoulders and shouting
- How long should you check for a pulse before starting CPR? → No more than 10 seconds
- In CPR guidelines, what age range defines a 'child'? → 1 year to puberty (approximately 12 years)
- What is the appropriate action when performing CPR on a trauma victim with suspected tension pneumothorax? → Continue CPR and call for needle decompression as a reversible cause of cardiac arrest
- Which of the following MOST commonly causes gastric inflation during rescue breathing? → Delivering breaths that are too forceful or too fast
- What is 'closed-loop communication' in a resuscitation team? → Confirming receipt of an order by repeating it back to the sender and reporting completion
- After delivering an AED shock and resuming CPR, when should the AED next analyze the rhythm? → After 2 minutes of CPR (5 cycles)
- What is the role of the 'recorder' in a hospital resuscitation team? → To document real-time events, medications given, and timing during the resuscitation
Turn these facts into recall: