Chest Compressions (Hands-Only CPR) — Core Skill — Learn | AidNow

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SKILL-0610 min read

Chest Compressions (Hands-Only CPR)

Push Hard, Push Fast

Why this matters

When the heart stops, blood stops flowing to the brain. Compressions manually pump blood and can double or triple survival chances when started quickly. Any attempt is better than no attempt.

Steps

Follow these in order when you need this skill.

Confirm the person needs CPR
They must be unresponsive AND not breathing normally. Call emergency services or send someone to call. Get an AED if one is nearby.
Place them on a firm, flat surface
Roll the person onto their back if needed. Kneel beside their chest.
Find hand position
Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone. Place your other hand on top. Interlock fingers. Keep arms straight.
Push hard and fast
Push straight down at least 5 cm (2 inches) for an adult. Allow the chest to fully come back up between compressions. Rate: 100–120 compressions per minute — roughly the beat of the song "Stayin' Alive."
Do not stop unnecessarily
Continue compressions until professional help takes over, an AED is ready to analyze, you are too exhausted to continue, or the scene becomes unsafe.
Use an AED if available
Turn it on and follow voice prompts. Continue CPR between shocks as directed. Do not touch the person during analysis or shock.

Common mistakes

Things that can make the situation worse

Stopping compressions too soon because you think it is not working.
Not pushing deep enough or not allowing full chest recoil.
Pushing on the upper abdomen or ribs instead of center of chest.
Using hands-only CPR for drowning victims or children — these may need rescue breaths if you are trained.

Practice

Practice hand placement and compression rhythm on a pillow or CPR manikin. Count out loud to 30 compressions at 100–120 per minute. Say: "Call help, push hard, push fast, do not stop."

Key takeaways

Call for help first — or send someone while you start compressions.
Push hard (5 cm) and fast (100–120/min) in the center of the chest.
Let the chest fully rise between compressions.
Do not stop until help arrives or you cannot continue.

Comprehension questions(2 — optional, no score)

Question 1

Where should you place your hands for adult chest compressions?

Upper abdomen
Center of the chest, lower half of breastbone
Left side of the chest
On the neck

See explanation

Answer: Center of the chest, lower half of breastbone. Correct hand placement is the center of the chest on the lower half of the breastbone. Wrong placement reduces effectiveness and can cause injury.

Question 2

What compression rate is recommended?

60 per minute
80 per minute
100–120 per minute
As slow as possible

See explanation

Answer: 100–120 per minute. AHA and ILCOR guidelines recommend 100–120 compressions per minute for adults.

Use this skill when…

Practice this skill for these emergency situations.

Related skills

More skills in CPR & breathing.

Chest Compressions (Hands-Only CPR)

Why this matters

Steps

Confirm the person needs CPR

Place them on a firm, flat surface

Find hand position

Push hard and fast

Do not stop unnecessarily

Use an AED if available

Common mistakes

Practice

Key takeaways

Use this skill when…

person suddenly collapsed

cardiac arrest adult

person not breathing

unconscious not breathing

electrocution

Related skills

Rescue Breaths

Rescue Breaths

Rescue Breaths

Bag-Valve-Mask Use