CPR Guidelines You Need to Know in 2025: Key Updates, Expert Insights & How to Stay Prepared

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Do I still need to give rescue breaths?” or “Has the CPR ratio changed?”—you’re not alone. With regular updates to medical guidelines and a growing awareness of the importance of CPR, many people are searching for accurate, up-to-date information to make sure they’re ready to help in an emergency.

While the 2025 CPR guidelines haven’t introduced major changes for first aiders, recent updates—especially those from 2024—have fine-tuned aspects of advanced care. For everyday responders, however, the core principles remain solid.

This comprehensive guide outlines what every first aider needs to know about CPR in 2025, answers common questions, and offers expert insight to keep your life-saving skills sharp.

CPR Basics for First Aiders: What’s Still the Same

Standard CPR: The 30:2 Ratio

The foundational CPR method remains 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths—a ratio that applies to adults, children, infants, and older adults alike.

Why this matters:
Chest compressions keep blood circulating, but rescue breaths deliver oxygen, which is crucial for brain and organ survival during cardiac arrest.

“Even in hands-only scenarios, compressions are powerful. But when you combine them with rescue breaths, you’re giving someone their best shot at recovery.”
Emma Reid, CPR Instructor & First Aid Trainer with 12+ years of experience

Hands-Only CPR: A Lifesaving Option

If you’re untrained or unwilling to give rescue breaths (due to infection risk or personal comfort), hands-only CPR is still highly effective. Studies have shown it can double or triple survival rates if started immediately.

  • Focus on fast, deep chest compressions

Use a rhythm of 100–120 beats per minute (think: “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees)

Compression Quality: Make Every Push Count

High-quality compressions can make or break CPR effectiveness. Here’s how to do it right:

Age Group Compression Depth Rate
Adults At least 5 cm (2 inches) 100–120 bpm
Children About 1/3 of chest depth 100–120 bpm
Infants About 1/3 of chest depth 100–120 bpm

Poor compression depth or pace significantly reduces survival chances. Focus, stay consistent, and switch with another responder every 2 minutes if possible.

Did CPR Guidelines Change in 2024?

Yes—but mostly for advanced care professionals, not general first aiders. These changes come from the 2024 ANZCOR Guidelines and include:

  • Precordial Thump: Now recommended only for specific cases of monitored pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) in a hospital or advanced care setting where defibrillation isn’t immediately available.
  • Percussion (Fist) Pacing: Suggested only for severe bradyarrhythmias and when no better options exist.
  • Post-Resuscitation Care: Greater focus on precise oxygenation (avoiding both too little and too much oxygen), temperature management, and patient stabilization.

These changes do not impact how everyday first aiders should perform CPR. If you’re not in a clinical setting, stick to the tried-and-true 30:2 method.

Why CPR Guidelines Change & Who Sets Them

CPR is an evolving science, and guidelines are updated to reflect the latest research, evidence, and real-world outcomes. In Australia and New Zealand, several organizations contribute to these updates:

  • ARC (Australian Resuscitation Council): National body overseeing resuscitation education and guidelines.
  • ANZCOR (Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation): Combines expertise across both countries for consistent regional guidelines.
  • ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation): A global authority that compiles data and recommendations, which national groups like ARC adapt.

How to Stay Updated on CPR

Even if you were certified years ago, it’s essential to refresh your knowledge and skills regularly. Techniques don’t change overnight, but subtle shifts in emphasis or technique can improve outcomes significantly.

Ways to Stay Prepared:

  • Take a CPR refresher course every 12–24 months
  • Subscribe to updates from ARC or your local training provider
  • Attend community first aid workshops
  • Download the ANZCOR guidelines app (if available in your region)

Final Thoughts

While the heart of CPR hasn’t changed, your ability to respond quickly and effectively depends on keeping your knowledge up to date. Rescue breaths, chest compressions, and the confidence to act—these simple tools can mean the difference between life and death.

“The best CPR is the one that gets done right away. Don’t wait, don’t overthink—start compressions and call for help. You might save a life.”
— Emma Reid

Quick Reference: CPR Steps for First Aiders

  1. Check for response and breathing
  2. Call emergency services (000 in Australia)
  3. Start CPR:

    • 30 compressions
    • 2 breaths
    • Repeat
  4. Use an AED as soon as it’s available
  5. Continue until help arrives or the person responds

The American Heart Association CPR Test is a sample test to improve your knowledge and better prepare for a your CPR test. This test consists of 10 questions and takes less than 5 mins to complete. It’s free to take as many times as you like. We require your name and email address before you can view results. [pcld_registration um_form_id=3776 quiz_slug=”/start-aha-cpr-quiz/” button=”Start The Quiz”] (Note: we are not affiliated with AHA and this is not an official test) More information about how to prepare for your CPR test

See More Quizzes
  1. CPR General Test Preparation
  2. General CPR Quiz
  3. Infant CPR Quiz

Vlad Magdalin

Passionate reader | People person | The one behind All dad jokes