Hands-Only CPR works

Hands-Only CPR performed by a bystander has been shown to be as effective as “conventional” CPR in emergencies that occur at home, work or in public locations. The best part about Hands-Only CPR is that there are only two things to remember -

1) Call 911
2) Push hard and fast on the center of the chest

If you ARE CONFIDENT in your ability to provide CPR that includes breaths with high-quality chest compressions with minimal interruptions, then provide either the conventional CPR that you learned OR Hands-Only CPR. Continue CPR until an AED arrives and is ready for use or EMS providers take over care of the victim.

If you ARE NOT CONFIDENT in your ability to provide CPR that includes breaths with high-quality chest compressions with minimal interruptions, then provide Hands-Only CPR. Continue Hands-Only CPR until an AED arrives and is ready for use or EMS providers take over care of the victim.

The American Heart Association recommends conventional CPR with a combination of breaths and compressions for infants and children; victims of drowning, drug overdose, or other respiratory problems; and adult victims who are found already unconscious and not breathing normally.

By taking a CPR course, you can learn the additional skills needed for helping those other victims. You’ll also get plenty of practice performing the same two steps you’ll need for Hands-Only CPR. Typically people who have had CPR training are more confident about their skills and more likely to assist someone in a real emergency.

Even a very short CPR training program that you can do at home, like the American Heart Association’s 22-minute Family & Friends CPR Anytime program, provides skills training and practice that can prepare you to perform high quality chest compressions.

To learn more about CPR Anytime, click on the CPR Anytime tab or go to:www.cpranytime.org or www.americanheart.org/cpr.