How to do adult CPR and use an AED
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
Early compressions and early defibrillation save lives. These steps follow the American Heart Association basic life support sequence for adults.
Step by step
Make sure the scene is safe
Look for dangers before you approach. [1]
Check response
Tap and shout. If there is no response, shout for help, call the emergency number and send someone for an AED. [1]
Check breathing and pulse
Look for normal breathing and feel the carotid pulse together, for no more than 10 seconds. Gasping is not normal breathing. [1]
Compressions
Heel of the hand on the lower half of the breastbone, arms straight. Push at least 2 inches (5 cm), at 100 to 120 per minute, and let the chest come all the way back up. [1]
Breaths
30 compressions, then 2 breaths of about 1 second each, just enough to make the chest rise. [1]
AED as soon as it arrives
Turn it on and follow the voice. Pads on bare chest: one below the right collarbone, one on the left side below the armpit. [2]
Shock and resume
Make sure nobody touches the patient, press shock if advised, then restart compressions right away for 2 minutes. [2]
Keep going
Switch compressors every 2 minutes, keep pauses under 10 seconds, until the patient moves or advanced help takes over. [1]
Common errors
- Compressions too shallow or too slow.
- Leaning on the chest so it cannot recoil.
- Long pauses for the AED or to check the pulse.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
Facts and steps follow AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC; NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.