Hands-only CPR is a two-step lifesaving response for adults in cardiac arrest: call for help and deliver rapid chest compressions until help arrives or an AED is available. Direct steps (as commonly taught by major health organizations):

• Ensure scene safety and check the person is unresponsive. If there is any doubt about responsiveness, assume they need help.
• Call for emergency help (call 911 or the local emergency number) or have someone else do it. If possible, obtain an AED as well.
• Position the person on a firm, flat surface on their back.
• Kneel beside the person and place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest (lower half of the sternum). Place the other hand on top and interlace the fingers, lifting them off the chest.
• Position your shoulders directly over your hands and keep your arms straight.
• Compress the chest straight down hard and fast, at least 2 inches (about 5 centimeters), allowing full recoil after each compression.
• Maintain a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. A quick way to keep pace is to perform compressions to a tempo similar to the beat of Staying Alive or another song at about 100–120 BPM.
• Continue compressions until emergency responders take over or an AED becomes available and you are instructed to stop.

Additional notes:

• If an AED is available, turn it on and follow the prompts as soon as possible; apply pads as directed and resume CPR if instructed.
• Do not pause to give breaths in hands-only CPR; only chest compressions are performed in this approach.
• If the person begins to move, breathe, or regain responsiveness, place them in the recovery position and monitor until help arrives.

If you’d like, I can tailor these steps to a specific setting (e.g., at home, workplace, or with a child) or provide a quick quick-reference checklist you can print.