Can You Perform CPR Alone? Tips for Solo Rescuers
When an emergency strikes, you might find yourself completely alone — no one else around to help. It’s a scary thought, but it’s also the reality for many people who come across someone in cardiac arrest.
The good news? Yes — you can perform CPR alone, and your actions can absolutely save a life.
Here’s what to do, step-by-step, and some life-saving tips for solo rescuers.
1. Check for Safety and Responsiveness
Before starting CPR, make sure the area is safe for both you and the victim — no traffic, fire, or other hazards.
Then, tap the person’s shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?” If there’s no response and the person is not breathing or only gasping, it’s time to act.
2. Call for Help — Even If You’re Alone
If you’re by yourself:
· Use your mobile phone’s speaker mode to dial 911 (or your local emergency number).
· Tell the dispatcher you are alone and about to start CPR.
· They can stay on the line and guide you through each step until paramedics arrive.
Pro Tip: If there’s an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) nearby, put your phone on speaker, start chest compressions, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions to retrieve and use the AED safely.
3. Start Hands-Only CPR
If you’re untrained or can’t give rescue breaths, perform hands-only CPR:
· Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, then your other hand on top.
· Lock your elbows and push hard and fast — at least 2 inches deep and 100–120 compressions per minute (to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees).
· Let the chest rise fully between compressions.
Keep going until help arrives, the person starts breathing, or you’re too exhausted to continue.
4. If You’re Trained — Add Rescue Breaths
If you have full CPR training:
· After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths (tilt the head back, lift the chin, and blow until you see the chest rise).
· Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
If giving breaths isn’t possible or safe, continue hands-only CPR — it’s still highly effective.
5. Don’t Stop Until Help Arrives
As a solo rescuer, it’s normal to get tired. But remember — your efforts keep blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs. Even if you can’t maintain perfect rhythm or depth, keep trying. Every second of CPR increases the person’s chance of survival.
6. Use an AED as Soon as Possible
If an AED becomes available, use it immediately.
· Turn it on, follow the voice prompts, and do not stop CPR until the AED tells you to.
· The device will guide you through safe shock delivery and timing of compressions.
7. After the Emergency
Once help arrives, take a moment to breathe. It’s common to feel emotional or shaky after such an intense experience.
If you’ve never taken a CPR class, or if your certification has expired, consider taking or renewing your CPR and First Aid course online. You never know when you might need it again.
Final Thought
Performing CPR alone can be intimidating — but doing something is always better than doing nothing.
Your quick, confident response can double or even triple someone’s chances of survival before emergency professionals take over.