Compressions for an adult who needs CPR

Compressions are a lifesaving activity and the most important step in CPR. To do chest compressions, you push hard and fast in a specific way on the center of a person's chest.

Follow these steps:

1. Put the person on their back on a firm surface.
2. Place the lower palm of your hand on the middle of the person's chest. Your hand should be on the lower half to lower third part of the breastbone. This would be slightly lower than a horizonal line drawn from nipple to nipple.
3. Place your other hand on top of your first hand. Keep your elbows straight. Place your shoulders directly above your hands.
4. Push straight down on the chest at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 centimeters). Use your entire body weight, not just your arms, when doing this.
5. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest. You want to do 100 to 120 pushes a minute. The American Heart Association suggests doing the pushes to the beat of the song "Stayin' Alive" or another song that has 100 to120 beats a minute. Let the chest spring back after each push.

If you are not trained in CPR, keep doing the chest compressions until the person moves or reacts or until emergency medical help takes over. If you've had CPR training and are confident in your skills, you should do compressions and rescue breaths when possible.