Cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere, and knowing how to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death. When responding to sudden cardiac arrest, you may have two options: Hands-Only CPR or Traditional CPR. But which one should you use? Knowing the differences between Hands-only CPR and traditional CPR, their benefits, and appropriate situations for each method can help you act quickly and effectively.
Many people hesitate to perform CPR because they are unsure of the correct technique or worry about doing it wrong. However, taking action, whether with Hands-only CPR or traditional CPR, can increase the victim’s chance of survival. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between these two methods, when to use each one, and why learning both can be a valuable lifesaving skill.
What is Hands-Only CPR?
Hands-Only CPR is a simplified form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that involves only chest compressions—no rescue breaths. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends Hands-Only CPR for bystanders who witness a teen or adult collapse due to sudden cardiac arrest. Hand-only CPR has been found effective in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest(OHCA) cases.
Here are the steps to Perform Hands-Only CPR:
- Check for responsiveness – Tap the person and shout, “Are you okay?”
- Call 911 – If unresponsive and not breathing normally, call emergency services or ask someone else to do so.
- Start chest compressions – Place your hands in the center of the chest and push hard and fast at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
- Continue until help arrives – Do not stop unless the person starts breathing, medical personnel take over, or you are physically unable to continue.
What is Traditional CPR?
Traditional CPR, also known as Conventional CPR, combines chest compressions with rescue breaths. This method is recommended for cases where the victim’s cardiac arrest is due to breathing problems, such as:
- Drowning
- Drug overdose
- Severe asthma attack
- Choking
Steps to Perform Traditional CPR:
- Check for responsiveness and breathing – If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911.
- Start with chest compressions – Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100–120 compressions per minute.
- Give rescue breaths – After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths by tilting the head back, pinching the nose, and breathing into the victim’s mouth.
- Repeat the cycle – Continue 30 compressions and 2 breaths until emergency responders arrive.
Comparison of Hands-Only CPR and Traditional CPR
Let’s compare Hands-Only CPR vs. Traditional CPR in key areas, including when and how to use them, their effectiveness, and the ease of learning:
| Factor | Hands-Only CPR | Traditional CPR |
| Who Can Perform? | Anyone, including untrained bystanders | Trained individuals or those comfortable with rescue breaths |
| Best for Which Age Group? | Teens & adults | All ages (infants, children, adults) |
| When to Use? | Sudden cardiac arrest with a witnessed collapse | Drowning, choking, overdose, breathing-related emergencies |
| Steps Involved | Chest compressions only | Chest compressions + rescue breaths |
| Effectiveness | Highly effective in witnessed cardiac arrests | More effective in respiratory-related cardiac arrests |
| Ease of Learning? | Easier to learn and remember | Requires training and confidence |
| Time to Start? | Immediate action with compressions as soon as possible | Requires a brief moment to check for breathing and pulse before starting rescue breaths |
| Long-Term Success Rate | Effective in cases of witnessed sudden collapse, with a higher bystander intervention rate | Can improve outcomes in situations where oxygenation is critical, such as drowning or overdose |
When Should You Use Hands-Only CPR?
Studies show that bystanders are more likely to perform Hands-Only CPR due to its simplicity and the reduced hesitation associated with mouth-to-mouth contact. Hands-Only CPR is the best option when:
- The victim is a teen or adult who suddenly collapses.
- The cause is unknown, but it appears to be a sudden cardiac event.
- The responder is untrained or uncomfortable with giving rescue breaths.
- The responder needs to act quickly in a public setting.
When Should You Use Traditional CPR?
Traditional CPR should be used when:
- The victim is an infant or child under 12 years old.
- The victim is unresponsive due to drowning, overdose, choking, or a breathing emergency.
- The responder is trained and willing to provide rescue breaths.
- The person was found unresponsive rather than collapsing suddenly.
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Both Hands-Only CPR and Traditional CPR have their strengths and weaknesses depending on the situation. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of each method to help you understand when and how to use them:
Hands-Only CPR
Pros:
- Simple to learn and easy to remember.
- Encourages bystander intervention, which increases the likelihood of saving a life.
- Highly effective for adult cardiac arrest victims.
Cons:
- Less effective in cases involving respiratory failure, where oxygen is needed.
- Hands-Only CPR is not suitable for infants or young children who require both chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Traditional CPR
Pros:
- Traditional CPR provides essential oxygen through rescue breaths, improving survival in respiratory-related arrests.
- It’s more effective for infants, children, and drowning victims, where both chest compressions and breathing support are necessary.
Cons:
- CPR requires proper training and regular practice to perform correctly.
- Bystanders may hesitate to perform mouth-to-mouth due to concerns about safety or comfort.
Importance of Learning Both Methods
While Hands-Only CPR is an effective lifesaving technique for bystanders, learning Traditional CPR offers a distinct advantage in situations where rescue breaths are essential. Having knowledge of both methods ensures you are fully prepared for any cardiac emergency.
Hands-Only CPR is a great option if you are untrained. Chest compressions alone can make a difference. However, Traditional CPR is critical in specific situations like pediatric emergencies or drowning incidents, where rescue breaths are necessary.
By gaining certification in both techniques, you boost your confidence and ability to handle diverse emergencies, ultimately improving your chances of saving a life.
Conclusion
Both Hands-Only CPR and Traditional CPR play critical roles in cardiac emergencies. Knowing when to use one can make all the difference. While Hands-Only CPR is ideal for untrained bystanders and sudden cardiac arrest in adults, Traditional CPR is essential for children, drowning victims, and those experiencing respiratory-related cardiac arrest.
The best way to be truly prepared is to get trained in both techniques so you can act confidently in any situation. At Heart Start CPR, we provide expert-led CPR training that can help you with the knowledge and hands-on skills to respond in an emergency. You can enroll in our expert-led classes and be ready to save a life when it matters the most.
