How should you position your hands for chest compressions?

Positioning your hands correctly for chest compressions is critical in performing effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The correct method involves placing the heel of one hand on the center of the patient's chest, specifically at the lower half of the sternum (breastbone). This positioning allows you to deliver the maximum force needed to compress the chest adequately for optimal blood circulation during cardiac arrest.

Using the heel of your hand ensures that the compressions are delivered directly to the heart, which is located beneath the sternum. It is essential that your hands are aligned properly to provide both depth and speed to the compressions; the recommended rate is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. With this technique, the other hand is generally placed on top of the first hand, locking the fingers to maintain stability during compressions, which maximizes efficiency and minimizes fatigue during the process.

This method is consistent with American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for CPR, which emphasize the importance of effective chest compressions as a key component in resuscitating an adult in cardiac arrest.