Q.Can I hurt someone by performing CPR if they don't actually need it?

If someone is responsive and breathing normally, they don't need CPR. The key checks protect against this—if they respond when you tap their shoulders or if they're breathing normally, you won't start CPR. However, if someone is truly unresponsive and not breathing normally, performing CPR won't make things worse. Their heart has already stopped, so you're only helping. The bigger risk is not performing CPR when someone needs it.

Q.How long can I perform CPR before I need to stop?

Continue CPR until one of four things happens: the person shows signs of life (starts breathing normally, moving, or responding), paramedics arrive and take over, you have access to an AED that needs to analyze the heart rhythm, or you're physically too exhausted to continue safely. In Brisbane, average ambulance response times are around 8-12 minutes in metro areas, though this can vary. If others are present and know CPR, swap out every 2 minutes to maintain effective compression quality. Don't feel guilty if you become too exhausted—doing CPR for even a few minutes is better than nothing.

Q.Do I have to give rescue breaths, or can I just do compressions?

Compression-only CPR is absolutely acceptable and still saves lives. If you're uncomfortable with rescue breaths, not trained in them, or concerned about disease transmission, just do continuous chest compressions at 100-120 per minute without stopping for breaths. While the combination of compressions and breaths is ideal, compressions alone are far better than doing nothing. Many bystanders choose compression-only CPR, and studies show it's still highly effective, especially in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.

Q.What if the person vomits during CPR?

Vomiting can occur during CPR, especially if the person has recently eaten. If this happens, turn the person's head to the side (or roll them onto their side if necessary) to allow the vomit to drain and prevent choking. Quickly clear the mouth if possible, then reposition them on their back and continue CPR immediately. Don't let this interrupt compressions for more than a few seconds. If you're concerned about hygiene, focus on compression-only CPR rather than stopping altogether. Time is critical, and brief interruptions are acceptable when necessary.

Q.Can I be sued for performing CPR in Queensland?

No. Queensland's Civil Liability Act 2003 protects Good Samaritans who provide emergency assistance in good faith. As long as you're acting without reckless disregard for the person's safety and not expecting payment, you're protected from civil liability. This means you cannot be sued for broken ribs, bruising, or other injuries that result from properly performed CPR. The law recognizes that bystander CPR saves lives and protects people who step up to help in emergencies. This protection applies across all Australian states and territories.

Q.Is CPR different for children and infants?

Yes, there are modifications for different age groups. For infants (under 1 year), use two fingers for compressions and compress about 4cm deep. For children (1-8 years), use one or two hands and compress about 5cm deep. For anyone 8 years and older, use the adult technique with 5-6cm compressions. The compression rate remains 100-120 per minute for all ages. For infants and children, the ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths if you're alone, or 15:2 if there are two trained rescuers present. Proper CPR training covers these age-specific techniques with hands-on practice.

Q.What if I'm pregnant—can I still perform CPR?

If you're physically able to, yes. CPR is demanding work, so consider your own capabilities and your stage of pregnancy. You might find it easier to kneel at the person's side rather than leaning over them. If you're in later pregnancy and concerned about the physical strain, you can coordinate with others—call 000, get the AED, direct other helpers, or swap out with another rescuer after a cycle or two. If you're unable to perform compressions effectively, doing something (even just calling for help and getting an AED) is better than nothing. Your safety matters too.

Q.Do I need to recertify my CPR every year even if I'm confident in my skills?

Yes. CPR certification is valid for only 12 months under Australian standards, and there's good reason for this. Guidelines are updated periodically based on new research, compression depths and techniques are refined, and muscle memory fades quickly without practice. Annual recertification ensures you're up-to-date with current Australian Resuscitation Council protocols and gives you hands-on practice to maintain confidence and competence. Many workplaces require current certification as part of compliance obligations. Even if you feel confident, the annual refresher catches technique drift, reinforces proper form, and keeps you legally covered for workplace requirements.

Q.What's the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?

A heart attack is a "plumbing problem"—a blocked artery reduces blood flow to part of the heart muscle. The person is usually awake, may have chest pain or discomfort, and their heart is still beating. They need urgent medical care but typically don't need CPR. Cardiac arrest is an "electrical problem"—the heart's electrical system malfunctions and the heart stops beating altogether. The person collapses, becomes unresponsive, and stops breathing normally. This is when CPR is needed immediately. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, but they're not the same thing. If someone's unresponsive and not breathing, treat it as cardiac arrest and start CPR regardless of what caused it.