CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR)

Step A: Kneel facing the victim's chest. Find the correct hand position by sliding your fingers up the rib cage to the breastbone. Step B: Place your middle finger in the notch and the index finger next to it on the lower end of the breastbone. Step C: Place your other hand beside the two fingers. Step D: Place hand used to locate notch on top of the other hand. Lace the fingers together. Keep fingers off of the chest. Position shoulders over hands, with elbows locked and arms straight (Fig. 48.1).

There are varying sizes and shapes of hands. Arthritic or injured hands and wrists will not allow some rescuers to lace their fingers together. An acceptable alternative hand position is to grasp the wrist of the hand on the chest with the hand that has been locating the lower end of their sternum. Another acceptable alternative is to hold your fingers up off the chest. Use the method that works best for you. Just remember to keep your fingers off the chest. Use the heel of your hand to do the compressions (Fig. 48.2).

Compress the breastbone 11/2 to 2 in. Give 15 compressions. Count 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 . Give two rescue breaths after the 15th compression. This cycle of 15 compressions and 2 breaths should take about 15 sec. Do four cycles of 15 compressions and two breaths, which should take about 1 min. Check...