Where should you place your hands when performing CPR on an adult?

Where should you place your hands when performing CPR on an adult?

• A. 2 thumbs encircling the chest just below nipple line
• B. 1 hand on upper chest
• C. 2 hands on the lower half of the sternum
• D. 2 hands on the upper sternum

Answer: (C)

Place two hands on the center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum, with the heel of the bottom hand pressing straight down and the other hand on top (fingers off the chest or interlaced). This position puts the compressive force directly over the heart, maximizing blood flow with each push and helping to deliver effective chest compressions. Placing hands higher on the chest or wrapping around the chest doesn’t target the heart as well and can reduce the effectiveness of compressions or increase the risk of injury.

Place two hands on the center of the chest, on the lower half of the sternum, with the heel of the bottom hand pressing straight down and the other hand on top (fingers off the chest or interlaced). This position puts the compressive force directly over the heart, maximizing blood flow with each push and helping to deliver effective chest compressions. Placing hands higher on the chest or wrapping around the chest doesn’t target the heart as well and can reduce the effectiveness of compressions or increase the risk of injury.