CPR Guidelines Australia 2026: Current ANZCOR Standards, Compression Rates, and What You Need to Know

By SKLD Training — 2026-03-05

What are the current CPR guidelines in Australia? This comprehensive guide covers ANZCOR standards for adult, child, and infant CPR — compression rate, depth, ratio, AED use, hands-only CPR, and DRSABCD. The definitive reference for 2026.

Current CPR Guidelines in Australia: The ANZCOR Standard

The current CPR guidelines in Australia are set by the Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR), which aligns with International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) recommendations. The key parameters are: compression rate of 100–120 per minute, compression depth of approximately one-third of the chest depth, a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths (30:2) for single rescuers, and early defibrillation with an AED whenever available.

These guidelines apply to all rescuers — trained and untrained — and are the basis for every nationally recognised CPR course in Australia, including HLTAID009 (Provide CPR) and HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid). The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) publishes the full ANZCOR guidelines and regularly reviews them as new evidence emerges from resuscitation science.

This guide covers everything you need to know about current CPR practice in Australia — from the DRSABCD action plan through to specific differences for adults, children, and infants.

DRSABCD: The Australian CPR Action Plan

Every CPR response in Australia follows the DRSABCD action plan. This is the standardised sequence taught in all nationally recognised first aid and CPR courses, and it is the framework ANZCOR recommends for all emergency responders — from bystanders to paramedics.

D — Danger: check for danger to yourself, bystanders, and the casualty. Do not become a second casualty.
R — Response: check for response. Talk to the casualty, squeeze their shoulders. If no response, they are unconscious.
S — Send for help: call 000 (or instruct a bystander to call). Put the phone on speaker if possible so the operator can guide you.
A — Airway: open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Check for obstructions.
B — Breathing: look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for up to 10 seconds. Occasional gasps are NOT normal breathing.
C — CPR: if the casualty is not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately. 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
D — Defibrillation: apply an AED as soon as one is available. Follow the voice prompts. Do not delay CPR while waiting for the AED.

The DRSABCD action plan is designed to be simple enough for untrained bystanders to follow while being comprehensive enough for trained first aiders. In a cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR reduces the chance of survival by approximately 10%.

CPR Compression Guidelines: Rate, Depth, and Technique

Effective chest compressions are the single most important factor in CPR survival outcomes. The current ANZCOR guidelines specify:

Compression rate: 100–120 compressions per minute. Faster than 120 reduces compression quality. Slower than 100 is insufficient.
Compression depth (adults): approximately one-third of the chest depth, or about 5 cm (no more than 6 cm).
Full chest recoil: allow the chest to fully recoil between each compression. Leaning on the chest reduces blood flow.
Minimise interruptions: pauses in compressions should be less than 10 seconds. Every pause reduces perfusion pressure and survival chances.
Hand position: heel of one hand on the centre of the chest (lower half of the sternum), other hand on top, fingers interlocked.
Arm position: arms straight, shoulders directly above hands, using body weight to compress rather than arm strength alone.

Research from the Australian Resuscitation Council consistently shows that compression quality deteriorates after approximately 2 minutes of continuous CPR. If multiple rescuers are available, swap every 2 minutes to maintain compression quality.

Adult vs Child vs Infant CPR: Key Differences

CPR technique must be modified based on the casualty's age. The following table summarises the current ANZCOR guidelines for adult, child, and infant CPR.

Parameter	Adult (over 8 years / puberty)	Child (1–8 years)	Infant (under 1 year)
Compression method	Two hands — heel of hand on centre of chest	One or two hands (depending on child's size)	Two fingers on lower half of sternum (single rescuer) or two-thumb encircling technique (two rescuers)
Compression depth	Approximately 5 cm (1/3 of chest depth)	Approximately 1/3 of chest depth	Approximately 1/3 of chest depth (about 4 cm)
Compression rate	100–120 per minute	100–120 per minute	100–120 per minute
Compression-to-breath ratio (single rescuer)	30:2	30:2	30:2
Compression-to-breath ratio (two rescuers, healthcare)	30:2	15:2	15:2
Rescue breaths	Mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-mask, visible chest rise	Mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-mask, gentle breaths	Mouth-to-mouth-and-nose, gentle puffs
AED pad placement	Standard adult pads — right upper chest, left side below armpit	Paediatric pads if available; adult pads acceptable if paediatric not available	Paediatric pads preferred; adult pads acceptable — one on front, one on back (anterior-posterior)

The compression rate of 100–120 per minute is the same across all age groups. The critical difference is in depth and technique — using too much force on an infant can cause injury, while insufficient depth on an adult renders compressions ineffective.

Hands-Only CPR: When and Why

Hands-only CPR (compression-only, without rescue breaths) is recommended by ANZCOR for untrained bystanders or rescuers unwilling or unable to provide rescue breaths. The key message is: any CPR is better than no CPR.

For trained rescuers, the standard remains 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths (30:2). However, ANZCOR acknowledges that compressions-only CPR is significantly better than doing nothing. Bystander CPR — in any form — approximately doubles survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

When to use hands-only CPR:

You are not trained in rescue breathing techniques.
You are unwilling to provide mouth-to-mouth (no barrier device available, unknown casualty).
The cardiac arrest is witnessed and appears to be a sudden cardiac event (most likely shockable rhythm where compressions alone can be effective).

When rescue breaths are especially important:

Children and infants: paediatric cardiac arrests are more commonly caused by respiratory failure, making ventilation critical.
Drowning casualties: the arrest is caused by oxygen deprivation, so rescue breaths are essential.
Prolonged arrest: after several minutes, the oxygen in the blood is depleted and compressions alone become less effective.

AED Use: When, How, and Who Can Use One

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is the single most important intervention in sudden cardiac arrest caused by a shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia). Current ANZCOR guidelines state that an AED should be applied as soon as one is available — do not delay its use.

Key facts about AED use in Australia:

Anyone can use an AED. No training is required by law. AEDs are designed for use by untrained bystanders — they provide voice prompts and will only deliver a shock if a shockable rhythm is detected.
Trained users are more effective. While anyone can use an AED, trained users are faster, more confident, and less likely to be delayed by hesitation or unfamiliarity with the device.
AED within 3–5 minutes of cardiac arrest combined with CPR can result in survival rates of up to 70%. Without intervention, survival drops to approximately 5%.
Do not stop CPR to wait for an AED. Continue compressions until the AED is ready to analyse. If a bystander is available, send them to retrieve the AED while you continue CPR.
Follow the voice prompts. Modern AEDs guide you through every step — pad placement, stand clear for analysis, shock delivery, and when to resume CPR.

Learn CPR and AED skills with hands-on practice: Book HLTAID009 CPR or HLTAID011 First Aid with SKLD Training

When to Stop CPR

Knowing when to stop CPR is an important part of the guidelines that is often overlooked. According to ANZCOR, you should continue CPR until:

The casualty shows signs of life: normal breathing resumes, they move, open their eyes, or respond.
Qualified help arrives and takes over: paramedics, emergency medical team, or another trained rescuer relieves you.
You are physically unable to continue: CPR is exhausting. If you cannot maintain effective compressions, swap with another rescuer if available.
The environment becomes unsafe: if danger to yourself becomes imminent (fire, structural collapse, hazardous materials).
A medical professional directs you to stop.

You do not need to check for a pulse before or during CPR. Pulse checks by non-healthcare providers are unreliable and waste valuable compression time. If the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR.

Common CPR Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even trained rescuers make errors during CPR. The most common mistakes identified in resuscitation research include:

Common Mistake	Why It Matters	Correct Practice
Compressions too shallow	Insufficient blood flow to brain and heart	Compress to 1/3 of chest depth (~5 cm for adults)
Compressions too fast (over 120/min)	Reduces compression depth and chest recoil	Maintain 100–120/min — use a metronome app if unsure
Leaning on the chest between compressions	Prevents full chest recoil, reducing venous return	Completely release pressure between each compression
Excessive interruptions	Every pause drops coronary perfusion pressure	Keep pauses under 10 seconds — minimise time off the chest
Delaying AED application	Each minute of delay reduces survival by 10%	Apply AED as soon as available — send bystander to get it
Not calling 000 first	Professional help is essential — CPR is a bridge, not a cure	Call 000 (or send someone) before or immediately after starting CPR
Hesitating to start	Brain damage begins within 4–6 minutes without oxygen	Any CPR is better than no CPR — start immediately

Regular CPR refresher training (HLTAID009, renewed annually) is the best way to maintain correct technique and avoid these common errors. Skills degrade within months without practice.

Recovery Position: When the Casualty Is Breathing

If a casualty is unconscious but breathing normally, CPR is not required. Instead, place them in the recovery position (lateral position) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. The steps are:

Kneel beside the casualty.
Place the arm nearest to you at a right angle to the body.
Place the far arm across the chest with the back of the hand against the near cheek.
Bend the far knee, then roll the casualty towards you onto their side.
Tilt the head back to maintain an open airway.
Monitor breathing continuously until help arrives.

The recovery position is a critical skill that complements CPR knowledge. If a casualty who is in the recovery position stops breathing, immediately roll them onto their back and begin CPR.

Why Regular CPR Training Matters: Skill Retention Research

ANZCOR recommends annual CPR refresher training because research consistently demonstrates that CPR skills degrade significantly within 3–12 months of training. Without refresher practice, compression quality, confidence, and willingness to act all decline.

Key findings from resuscitation research:

CPR skill retention drops measurably within 3–6 months of initial training.
Annual refreshers maintain competence better than less frequent renewals.
Hands-on practice (not just watching videos) is essential for skill maintenance.
Scenario-based training improves real-world performance under stress.

This is why HLTAID009 (Provide CPR) has an annual renewal recommendation, and why quality CPR training — with adequate manikin time and scenario practice — produces better outcomes than rushed, passive courses.

Keep your CPR skills current: Book your annual HLTAID009 CPR refresher with SKLD Training on the Gold Coast

SKLD Training: Practical-First CPR Courses on the Gold Coast

SKLD Training delivers CPR and first aid courses with a focus on genuine hands-on competence. Our CPR training includes:

High manikin-to-student ratios (1:2 or 1:3): multiple rounds of compression practice to build real muscle memory.
AED hands-on practice: every student operates the AED multiple times, not just once.
Adult, child, and infant manikins: practice the technique differences for all age groups.
Scenario-based assessment: realistic simulations that test your ability to assess, act, and perform under pressure.
Small class sizes (8–15 students): individual feedback on your technique from experienced trainers.
Certificates usually same-day: Statement of Attainment issued on successful completion.

Available courses: HLTAID009 (CPR), HLTAID011 (First Aid), HLTAID012 (Childcare First Aid), 22702VIC (Asthma Management). Public sessions in Southport, Robina, Surfers Paradise, and onsite for groups of 5+.

Train with confidence: Book CPR training with SKLD Training today

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current CPR compression rate in Australia?

The current ANZCOR-recommended CPR compression rate is 100–120 compressions per minute. This rate applies to adults, children, and infants. Compressing faster than 120 per minute reduces compression quality and depth.

What is the CPR ratio in Australia?

The standard CPR ratio for single rescuers is 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths (30:2) for all age groups. For two-rescuer CPR on children and infants (healthcare providers), the ratio changes to 15:2.

How deep should CPR compressions be?

For adults, compress to approximately one-third of the chest depth (about 5 cm, no more than 6 cm). For children and infants, compress to approximately one-third of the chest depth. Allow full chest recoil between each compression.

Can I do CPR without rescue breaths?

Yes — hands-only CPR (compressions without rescue breaths) is recommended for untrained bystanders or anyone unwilling to provide mouth-to-mouth. Any CPR is significantly better than no CPR. However, trained rescuers should provide both compressions and rescue breaths (30:2) for best outcomes, especially for children, infants, and drowning casualties.

How often should I renew my CPR certificate?

ANZCOR and the QLD Code of Practice recommend annual CPR renewal. This reflects evidence that CPR skills degrade within months of training. HLTAID009 (Provide CPR) is the nationally recognised unit for CPR refresher training.

Can anyone use an AED in Australia?

Yes — anyone can use an AED in Australia. No training is legally required. AEDs are designed for untrained bystanders with voice prompts that guide every step. However, trained users are faster and more confident, which can save critical seconds in a cardiac arrest.

Compliance

Training and assessment delivered on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909.