Short answer: For hands-only CPR in an adult, push hard and fast in the center of the chest to a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm), using your body weight with straight arms, and allow the chest to recoil fully between compressions. The rate should be 100–120 compressions per minute. Details and best practices
- Depth and rate
- Aim for approximately 2 inches (5 cm) of depth. Do not exceed about 2.4 inches (6 cm) to avoid excessive force. Maintain a cadence of 100–120 compressions per minute. This combination maximizes blood flow during cardiac arrest and aligns with current guidelines.
- Hand placement and position
- Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest (on the lower half of the sternum). Place the heel of the other hand on top of the first. Interlock fingers and keep them off the chest. Your shoulders should be directly over your hands, with arms straight and elbows locked. This position helps you use body weight rather than just arm strength.
- Technique and rhythm
- Push straight down, using your upper body weight to achieve the target depth. After each compression, allow the chest to recoil fully; do not pause too long between compressions. Avoid leaning on the chest between compressions. Continue until the person shows obvious life signs or professional help arrives.
- Common points of emphasis
- Ensure high-quality chest compressions by staying in a steady rhythm, minimizing interruptions, and avoiding shallow compressions. If fatigue sets in, seek to swap with another trained responder as soon as possible to maintain depth and rate.
- When to seek alternative methods
- If you cannot achieve the recommended depth with two hands, some guidelines suggest a one-hand approach or using part of the hand to reach the required depth while maintaining proper form. The priority remains to compress hard and fast at the center of the chest with full chest recoil.
If you’d like, I can tailor these guidelines to a specific situation (e.g., different age groups, or add steps for when an AED becomes available).
