How to Perform Hands-Only CPR

When a teenager or adult collapses suddenly, it can be a scary situation. While you can’t change what has already happened, you have the ability to act quickly and potentially save a life. Many people experience anxiety at the possibility of hurting the victim or doing something wrong, but CPR can save lives and the victim is better off with help than without.

In case you do see a teenager or adult suddenly collapse, these are the steps to follow:

Either call 911 if you are by yourself, or get someone else to call 911.

Make sure the victim is lying flat on the ground. Place the heel of one palm in the middle of their chest. Place your other hand on top, mimicking the first hand, and interlock your fingers.

Begin pushing on the center of the chest hard and fast until help arrives, keeping a rhythm of 100 compressions per minute. If you start to feel tired, someone else can take over. But whatever you do, don’t give up -- you might be the only chance this victim has.

Stay with the victim (while performing Hands-Only CPR, or while someone has taken over for you) until paramedics arrive.

Note: Hands-Only CPR can be used in place of conventional CPR (CPR with compressions and breaths) for victims over 8 years old. Conventional CPR should be used for anyone under the age of 8 years old, or for any aged victim of drowning, drug overdose, or a collapse resulting from breathing problems. Anyone over the 8 years old who you have not seen collapse should also be given conventional CPR.

Source: bethebeat.heart.org (Hands-Only CPR video from the site, available here), handsonlycpr.org