Bronze Star – Adult CPR

Participants enrolled in Bronze Star will learn basic CPR skills in the first aid component of the course. Candidates will learn to demonstrate single-rescuer adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a manikin. The purpose of this activity is for candidates to learn to restore breathing and circulation in an unconscious, non-breathing, and pulseless victim. Candidates will have to demonstrate skills and knowledge learned in previous components of the course in this section. The material posted on this page is for information purposes only, if you want to learn to do CPR, take a CPR course with a credible provider.

To successfully complete Bronze Star candidates must demonstrate the following skills during single-person rescuer CPR skills on a manikin:

  • Rescuers must assess the environment for any hazards or dangers.
  • Check the victim’s level of consciousness and establish unresponsiveness.
  • Open the airway and check for breathing by looking, listening, and feeling for no more than 5 seconds.
  • Activate the emergency medical system (EMS) with a bystander if available.
  • If breathing is absent immediately begin chest compressions and follow with 2 rescue breaths (observe chest rise).
  • Repeat the cycle of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths until EMS takes over treatment, an AED-trained responder begins treatment with an AED or the victim begins to move.
  • If the victim begins to move, the rescuer should reassess their vitals and treat them appropriately.

Additional Information:

  • Participants should send a bystander to phone EMS if available. If alone with an adult victim the rescuer should contact EMS immediately. If alone with a child or infant the rescuer should do 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to contact EMS.
  • The rescuer should open the airway using a head-tilt chin-lift technique.
  • The rescuer should be careful not to deliver too much air when ventilating.
  • Compressions should be delivered quickly and with force. Candidates should also allow the chest to recoil completely between compressions.
  • Use of a barrier device is recommended.

To successfully complete Bronze Star participants should have strong knowledge and skill set in adult CPR. Rescuers must show all of the components mentioned above when demonstrating CPR on a manikin for the Lifesaving Society instructor.