How to perform chest compressions

Chest compressions are the most important component of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It is vital chest compressions are of good quality if CPR is going to be effective in keeping the casualty alive until the arrival of a defibrillator (AED).

In order to perform high quality chest compressions you should:

1. Place one hand over the other
2. Lock the fingers of your top hand into your bottom hand
3. Place the heel of your bottom hand in the center of the casualties chest
4. Lock your elbows and lean over the casualty (shown in the image on the right)
5. Press down and release, aim for a depth of 5 – 6 cm
6. Repeat 30 times with equal chest compression and release

It is important not to ‘bounce’ up and down on the casualty’s chest. The heel of your hand should stay in contact throughout the cycle of chest compressions.

To deliver effective chest compressions you should be using the whole weight of your upper body, just using your arm muscles alone is unlikely to deliver enough force.