Hands Only CPR

Hands-Only CPR in Eight Simple Steps

1. Have someone call 9-1-1 and get an AED.

2. Ensure that the person is on their back on a firm, flat surface.

3. Kneel beside the person.

   • Your knees should be near the person’s body and spread about shoulder-width apart.

4. Use correct hand placement.

   • Place the heel of one hand in the center of their chest, with your other hand on top.

   • Interlace your fingers and make sure they are up off the chest.

5. Use correct body position.

   • Position your body so that your shoulders are directly over your hands.

   • Lock your elbows to keep your arms straight.

6. Give continuous compressions.

   • Push hard and fast (at least 2 inches; 100 to 120 compressions per minute).

7. Allow chest to return to its normal position after each compression.

8. Use an AED as soon as it is available.

 How to Use An AED

These AED steps should be used when caring for a non-breathing child aged 8 or older who weighs more than 55 pounds, or an adult.

After checking the scene and ensuring that the person needs help, you should ask a bystander to call 911 for help, then:

1. Complete the CHECK and CALL steps.

2. As soon as an AED is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts.

3. Remove clothing and attach pads correctly.

   • Remove all clothing covering the chest. If necessary, wipe the chest dry.

   • Place one pad on the upper right side of the chest.

   • Place the other pad on the lower left side of the chest, a few inches below the armpit.

   • Note: If the pads may touch, place one pad in the middle of the chest and the other pad on the back, between the shoulder blades.

4. Plug the pad connector cable into the AED, if necessary.

5. Prepare to let the AED analyze the heart’s rhythm.

   • Make sure no one is touching the person.

   • Say, “CLEAR!” in a loud, commanding voice.

6. Deliver a shock, if the AED determines one is needed.

   • Make sure no one is touching the person.

   • Say, “CLEAR!” in a loud, commanding voice.

   • Push the “shock” button to deliver the shock.

7. After the AED delivers the shock, or if no shock is adviced, immediately start CPR, beginning with compressions.