If an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally—or is only gasping—treat it as possible cardiac arrest. Call your local emergency number, start chest compressions, and have someone bring an AED if one is available. Follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.
What should you do first?
- Check that the scene is safe. Do not approach if there is immediate danger.
- Check for a response. Tap the person’s shoulders and shout. If they do not respond, check whether they are breathing normally. Do not delay to check a pulse.
- Call for emergency help. Shout for help. If another person is there, tell them to call your local emergency number and get an AED. If you are alone with an adult who may be in cardiac arrest, activate emergency services first, then begin CPR. Use speakerphone if possible so you can follow the dispatcher’s directions while helping.
- Start CPR. Begin chest compressions promptly. If you are trained and willing, include rescue breaths; if not, give compressions rather than waiting or doing nothing.
- Use an AED as soon as it arrives. Turn it on and follow its spoken prompts and diagrams.
How do you recognize cardiac arrest?
An adult who is unresponsive and has absent or abnormal breathing should be treated as being in possible cardiac arrest. Occasional, slow, irregular gasps—including snoring-like gasps—are not normal breathing. Do not mistake them for a reason to wait, and do not take time to find a pulse before starting help.
The American Heart Association’s 2025 adult basic life support guidance reports agonal breathing in up to 40% to 60% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. These ineffective gasps can be easy to misread, so use responsiveness and normal breathing—not the presence of occasional gasps—to make the decision.
How do you perform adult chest compressions?
- Lay the person on their back on a firm, flat surface if you can do so without delaying compressions.
- Kneel beside the chest. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, then put your other hand on top. Keep your arms straight and your shoulders directly above your hands.
- Push hard and fast: aim for 100–120 compressions per minute and a depth of at least 2 inches for an average adult.
- Let the chest return fully after each push. Keep pauses as short as possible.
If you are trained in CPR and can give breaths, the Red Cross adult sequence uses cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths. If you are untrained or unwilling to give breaths, continue with chest compressions; do not postpone them while trying to learn a technique.
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- Included Components: Heartstart Onsite Aed Defibrillator, Battery, Adult Smart Pads Cartridge, Setup
How do you use an AED?
- Turn on the AED and follow its voice prompts.
- Expose the person’s chest and attach the pads as shown in the device diagrams.
- Make sure nobody is touching the person while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm or delivers a shock.
- Follow the device’s instructions, then resume CPR when prompted. The AHA’s 2025 lay-rescuer algorithm directs rescuers to resume CPR for 2 minutes after applying the pads before following the AED’s next prompts.
An AED is designed to guide a rescuer through its use. Do not delay compressions while waiting for one to arrive.
When should you stop CPR?
Continue CPR and follow the AED prompts until the person starts to breathe or move, trained responders take over, the scene becomes unsafe, or you are physically unable to continue.
Rank #2
- Philips HeartStart M5066A-C02BPB OnSite AED Defibrillator is a virtually ready to use emergency medical device for cases of suspected sudden cardiac arrest
- A portable heart defibrillator in a sturdy carry case; provides real-time CPR instructions and step-by-step voice prompts; also includes an AED wall sign, Fast Response Kit and Basic Cabinet
- Suitable for emergency use in all public environments including restaurants, offices, gyms, and airports and businesses of any size. Training not required for use. Device provides simple, intuitive instructions for people who have never used a defibrillator
- Philips defibrillators perform a daily, weekly and monthly self-test to eliminate the need for manual calibration. May be converted to an AED trainer with the use of Adult or Infant/Child Training Pads Cartridge (sold separately)
- Philips AEDs use advanced technology to respond to your actions, utilizing SMART Analysis to assess the heart’s rhythm, and a Quick Shock feature which allows the device to deliver a shock within 8 seconds. Post shock guidance on CPR will follow
What if the person may be a child or have an opioid overdose?
Child or infant
This guide is for an adult. Do not automatically apply adult compression-depth instructions to an infant or child; use current age-appropriate guidance or follow the emergency dispatcher’s directions.
Suspected opioid overdose
If an opioid overdose is suspected and naloxone is available, the AHA’s 2025 lay-rescuer algorithm says to give it and resume CPR. Activate emergency services and follow the dispatcher’s instructions; naloxone does not replace CPR when the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
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Rank #3
- Safety Precautions:Do not immerse in water . If accidental exposure is suspected, do not operate the unit until it has been properly inspected. The device is designed for use in dry environments only.
- Authorized Usage Parameters:This equipment is engineered to perform within defined technical specifications. For optimal performance and user safety, please ensure all applications align with the published guidelines. Any operation beyond these parameters or unauthorized adjustments may affect device functionality.
- Pre-Use Inspection Recommendation:For reliable performance, we recommend a quick visual inspection before each use. Check for any visible signs of wear, damage, or unusual conditions. If any component appears compromised, discontinue use and arrange for professional servicing before next operation.
- Proper Cleaning Instructions:Maintain hygiene by gently wiping surfaces with a damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid soaking or using excessive moisture during cleaning. Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, or immerse any part of the device in cleaning solutions.
- Storage and Handling Notes:Store in a clean, dry location within recommended temperature ranges. Regular visual checks help ensure the unit remains in ready condition when needed. The device should only be used as intended and specified in the user documentation.
Where can you learn CPR and AED skills?
For hands-on practice, take a current CPR/AED course from a recognized provider such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Training can help you feel more prepared to act, but in an emergency do not wait for a course or certification before calling for help and starting compressions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Philips HeartStart M5068A-C01 Home AED Defibrillator is a virtually ready to use emergency medical device for cases of suspected sudden cardiac arrest
- A portable heart defibrillator in a slim carry case; provides real-time CPR instructions and step-by-step voice prompts
- Suitable for emergency use in private homes and residences. Training not required for use. Device provides simple, intuitive instructions for people who have never used a defibrillator
- Philips defibrillators perform a daily, weekly and monthly self-test to eliminate the need for manual calibration. May be converted to an AED trainer with the use of Adult or Infant/Child Training Pads Cartridge (sold separately)
- Philips AEDs use advanced technology to respond to your actions, utilizing SMART Analysis to assess the heart’s rhythm, and a Quick Shock feature which allows the device to deliver a shock within 8 seconds. Post shock guidance on CPR will follow
Rank #4
- Philips HeartStart M5066A-R01 OnSite AED Defibrillator is a virtually ready to use emergency medical device for cases of suspected sudden cardiac arrest
- A portable heart defibrillator in a convenient carry case with pre-installed spare pads and cartridge; provides real-time CPR instructions and step-by-step voice prompts
- Suitable for emergency use in all public environments including restaurants, offices, gyms, and airports and businesses of any size.
- Training not required for use. Device provides simple, intuitive instructions for people who have never used a defibrillator
- Philips defibrillators perform a daily, weekly and monthly self-test to eliminate the need for manual calibration. May be converted to an AED trainer with the use of Adult or Infant/Child Training Pads Cartridge (sold separately)
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