How To Do Hands-Only CPR Right

Could you save someone’s life in case of cardiac arrest? Would you know what to do until medical help arrives?

When a person collapses suddenly and isn't breathing or has no pulse, bystanders are often reluctant to help with CPR. In fact, the American Heart Association found that only 41% of people who had a cardiac arrest outside of their home received CPR. The reasons for not helping include fear of doing it wrong, worry about making the situation worse or discomfort with giving mouth-to-mouth breathing to a stranger.

But you can be prepared to save a life even if you haven't taken a CPR class. Learning the correct hand position and chest compression part of CPR alone - called Hands-only CPR - could be enough to keep a person alive in an emergency until medical assistance shows up.

“Pushing hard, fast, and in the center of the chest until help arrives, in combination with an Automatic External Defibrillator, can provide the best chance to save lives,” said Kelly Belcher, DNP, RN, Trauma Program Manager for Franciscan Health Indianapolis. “Hands-only CPR gives that person a chance, especially if the rescuer is concerned about any disease transmission from rescue breathing.”

Key Takeaways: Hands-Only CPR

• Hands-only CPR involves calling 911 immediately and then pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.
• Compressions should be at least 2 inches deep and at a rate of about 100–120 per minute.
• Continue chest compressions without interruption until help arrives or an AED is ready to use.
• Using hands-only CPR improves chances of survival in cardiac arrest when performed promptly and with sufficient force.

How Common Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest causes death in about 436,000 Americans each year, according to the American Heart Association.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is common. Outside the hospital setting, three-fourths of cardiac arrests happen in the home.

What Should You Do Before Starting Hands-Only CPR?

Let’s say it is early morning and you are walking into work. There are not many people around yet. Suddenly, the person walking right in front of you suddenly stops…and drops. You observe that they aren't moving and have awkward, gasping breaths. What can you do?

Here are the latest recommendations on how to do hands-only CPR from the American Red Cross:

1. Check to make sure the scene is safe, tap the person on the shoulder to see if he is responsive. Look for signs of rhythmic, normal breathing.
2. Call 911 for assistance. Put your cell phone on speakerphone.
3. If the person is non-responsive, begin hands-only CPR.

What Are The Steps For Hands-Only CPR?

Hands-only CPR consists of 2 steps: First, call 911. Then, push hard and fast in the center of the victim's chest. Hands-only CPR can help a heart attack victim survive 3 to 5 minutes. This may be enough time until emergency medical services arrive.

1. Kneel beside the person who needs help.
2. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest.
3. Place the heel of the other hand on top of the first hand, then lace your fingers together.
4. Position your body so that your shoulders are directly over your hands; keep your arms straight.
5. Push hard, push fast. Use your body weight to help you administer compressions that are at least 2 inches deep and delivered at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. (Be sure to let the chest rise between compressions.)

This video from the American Heart Association demonstrates how to correctly do hands-only CPR:

Research shows that hands-only CPR can help a person in cardiac arrest survive for up to 3 to 5 minutes. That may be enough time to save a life.

How Can I Protect Myself From Respiratory Viruses While Giving CPR?

The American Heart Association created recommendations to protect yourself from respiratory viruses including COVID-19 while administering CPR. Hands-Only CPR can be performed until help arrives if you are unsure about putting your mouth on a stranger’s mouth, or have concerns the person may have a respiratory virus

You may also cover your face and the person’s face with a face mask or cloth.

What Songs Can Help With Hands-Only CPR?

In a pinch, remember some of the songs from your favorite decade that have a tempo of 100 to 120 beats per minute. Practicing hands-only CPR while playing these songs can get you familiar with how frequent chest compressions are needed, and these songs can act line a metronome to help you stick to the beat..

Research published in the journal Biological Psychiatry found bystanders are more likely to offer CPR in an emergency if they felt competent to assist. Practicing hands-only CPR matters.

Here is just a sampling of songs with tempos of 100 to 120 beats per minute:

1960s

• Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash

1970s

• Cecila – Simon & Garfunkel
• Stayin' Alive – Bee Gees
• Take a Chance on Me – ABBA
• Another Brick in the Wall – Pink Floyd
• Sweet Home Alabama – Lynryd Skynyrd
• More Than a Feeling - Boston

1980s

• Rock This Town - Stray Cats
• You Can't Hurry Love – Phil Collins
• I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston
• Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
• Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
• Rhythm Nation – Janet Jackson

1990s

• All Star – Smash Mouth
• Just a Girl – No Doubt
• Fly – Sugar Ray

2000s

• Bye Bye Bye - *NYSNC
• Crazy in Love – Beyonce & Jay-Z
• Poker Face – Lady Gaga

2010s

• Can't Stop The Feeling! - Justin Timberlake
• Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars
• Country Girl – Luke Bryan
• Baby Shark – Pinkfong

2020s

• Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter.
• Texas Hold 'Em – Beyoncé
• Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
• Flowers – Miley Cyrus
• As It Was – Harry Styles

Does Hands-Only CPR Need A Training Class?

You do not need to attend training to give hands-only CPR.

"Giving hands-only CPR can be just as helpful as traditional CPR in an emergency," Belcher said. "You giving hands-only CPR will help more than waiting until an ambulance arrives."

Learn more about CPR training options through Franciscan Health.