What I Wish Everyone Knew About CPR Before They Needed It

I have taught CPR to tens of thousands of people. I have also, on a handful of occasions, been told by a delegate that they used it between sessions and it worked. Those conversations are why I do this job.

Here is what I wish every adult in the UK knew — not the full first-aid syllabus, just the three things that actually change outcomes.

1. Call 999 first, then start compressions

The most common delay I see in scenario practice is people spending two minutes deciding whether to phone for help or start CPR. The answer is always: phone, put it on speaker, start compressions. The dispatcher will talk you through it and can send help while you work.

2. Push harder than you think

Effective compressions need to depress the chest by 5–6 cm. That is a surprisingly large distance. Most first-time learners press about half that deep. When I ask delegates to compress harder they almost always look alarmed — and almost always, that's exactly the right depth. You cannot hurt someone who is already in cardiac arrest.

3. Use the AED. It will not let you make a mistake.

Automated external defibrillators talk you through every step and will not discharge unless a shockable rhythm is detected. The biggest barrier to AED use is not knowing where the device is. Find out where your nearest one is today — the Circuit register at www.thecircuit.uk maps every registered device in the UK.

None of this replaces a proper first-aid course. But it is infinitely better than knowing nothing. Book a place on our Emergency First Aid at Work course and I will see you there.