Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone’s breathing or heart stops. Chest compressions are a fundamental component of CPR, designed to manually circulate blood and oxygen throughout the body. Effective CPR relies heavily on proper technique, and accurate hand placement on the chest is a determining factor in its success.
Hand Placement for Adults
For adults, precise hand placement is crucial for effective chest compressions. Begin by kneeling beside the individual and placing the heel of one hand on the center of their chest, specifically on the lower half of the breastbone or sternum. This position is generally between the nipples.
Place the heel of your other hand directly on top of the first hand. Interlock your fingers or lift them to ensure they do not touch the chest. Position your shoulders directly above your hands, keeping your arms straight and elbows locked, and use your body weight to press straight down. The sternum should be compressed by about 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6 centimeters) with each compression.
Hand Placement for Children
For children, typically aged one year up to puberty, hand placement adapts to their smaller size. Hands should be positioned in the center of the child’s chest, on the lower half of the sternum. Depending on the child’s size, either one or two hands may be used.
If using one hand, place the heel of that hand in the center of the chest. If two hands are needed to achieve adequate depth, place the second hand on top, similar to adult CPR. The compression depth should be about 2 inches (5 centimeters), or approximately one-third of the child’s chest diameter.
Hand Placement for Infants
For infants under one year of age, the CPR technique changes. Position the infant on a firm, flat surface. To locate the correct spot, imagine a horizontal line between the infant’s nipples.
Place two fingers, the index and middle fingers or the middle and ring fingers, on the sternum just below this imaginary nipple line. Press down, compressing the chest about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters), or approximately one-third of the infant’s chest depth. An alternative technique involves encircling the infant’s chest with both hands and using both thumbs side-by-side on the sternum.
The Importance of Correct Placement
Accurate hand placement during CPR ensures effective blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain, until professional medical help arrives. Incorrect hand placement can lead to inefficient blood circulation, reducing the chances of a successful outcome.
Improper positioning also carries risks of injury, such as rib fractures or damage to internal organs, such as the liver or spleen. Correct anatomical landmarks and technique maximize CPR’s life-saving potential while minimizing complications.