Hands-Only CPR, also known as compression-only CPR, is a simplified form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It involves providing high-quality chest compressions to someone experiencing cardiac arrest without the need for mouth-to-mouth breathing. This life-saving technique aims to maintain blood circulation to vital organs, particularly the heart and brain until professionals arrive. This process significantly increases the chances of survival for someone in cardiac arrest. Whether you’re at home, at work, or out in public, knowing how to perform Hands-Only CPR can be crucial until conventional CPR or medical help arrives.
The main component of Hands-Only CPR is chest compressions. Chest Compressions are delivered continuously and forcefully to the center of the person’s chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute and a depth of at least 2 inches (about 5 centimeters).
What’s the difference between Traditional CPR and Hands-only CPR?
Traditional CPR and Hands-Only CPR are quite different in terms of techniques and approaches to resuscitation. Traditional CPR involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. Rescuers perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths, including mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to help the patient.
In contrast, Hands-only CPR focuses solely on continuous, high-quality chest compressions without rescue breaths. This simple technique is recommended for untrained individuals or bystanders who are hesitant or unable to perform rescue breathing. It is equally effective as conventional CPR for adults in cardiac arrest, and most people also find it easy to perform it.
Although both techniques aim to maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs like the heart and brain, the choice between immediate bystander CPR and conventional CPR depends on factors such as rescuer training, comfort level, and specific circumstances of the emergency.
What is the purpose of Hands-only CPR?
The purpose of hands-only CPR is to provide immediate assistance to individuals experiencing cardiac arrest. Hands-only CPR delivers enough oxygen to the heart and the brain when the heart stops beating. The primary goal is to maintain blood circulation by effectively compressing the chest. Unlike conventional CPR, it focuses solely on compression- only techniques and does not require rescue breaths. Hence, it is widely promoted due to its ease of learning and implementation, making it accessible to a larger portion of the population, including those learning layperson CPR, and potentially saving more lives in emergencies.
Why should you use Hands-Only CPR?
First and foremost, Hands-Only CPR is easier to perform and can be initiated immediately by bystanders who witness a sudden cardiac arrest. Here are several reasons why one should use Hands-Only CPR during cardiac emergencies:
- It requires no specialized training, making it accessible to anyone.
- It can be performed on adults, increasing the potential pool of responders.
- Even the major health organizations, including the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, recommend hands-only CPR for breathing problems.
- When you perform compressions promptly, Hands-Only CPR increases the chances of survival.
- Hands-only CPR can be performed in various settings, including public places, homes, and workplaces.
- It also helps to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious diseases compared to traditional CPR with mouth-to-mouth breaths.
- Many research shows the effectiveness of Hands-Only CPR in improving the outcomes for cardiac arrest victims.
Who should perform Hands-only CPR?
Anyone can perform Hands-Only CPR because it is a simple process to perform. Though it targets bystanders, people with CPR knowledge can also perform Hands-only CPR. It is especially beneficial for people who are uncomfortable or hesitant to perform mouth-to-mouth breaths. Because it involves only compressions, bystanders can feel at ease and perform the steps effectively in emergencies. Individuals with basic CPR training who are unsure about providing rescue breaths can also perform hands-only CPR to maintain circulation and support the person in need until professional medical assistance arrives. Therefore, anyone present at the scene of emergency able to perform compressions should perform Hands-Only CPR.
Related Post: What is the Indication for Mouth-To-Mouth Rescue Breaths?
When should you perform Hands-Only CPR?
Hands-Only CPR should be performed when someone suddenly collapses and is unresponsive. If you witness a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, promptly assess the situation for safety, then check for responsiveness by tapping and shouting at the victim. If there is no response and the victim is not breathing normally, you need to immediately begin Hands-Only CPR by delivering forceful chest compressions. Remember to call 911 as soon as possible to activate professional medical assistance.
Related Post: How Can You Achieve a High Chest Compression Fraction?
What does Hands-Only CPR involve?
Hands-Only CPR involves giving chest compressions without rescue breaths. You place the heel of one or both hands in the center of the person’s chest and push hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, pressing down about 2 inches deep. This technique helps maintain blood flow to the heart and brain during sudden cardiac arrest and is designed to be simple for anyone to use in an emergency.
Can anyone learn Hands-Only CPR?
Yes, anyone can learn Hands-Only CPR. The techniques used on it are simple and designed to be accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s easy to learn and perform whether you are a trained healthcare provider or have no CPR experience. Though simple, it’s a very effective way to respond to a cardiac emergency and save a life. By learning chest Compressions-only CPR, you can play a vital role in saving the lives of people who face sudden cardiac arrest, be it in the home, office, or public spaces. With a few simple steps, you can double or triple their chance of survival. Now, many healthcare organizations offer Hands-on CPR and First Aid training to ensure participants feel confident and prepared to act in emergencies.
What are the Correct Steps for Hands-Only CPR?
Hands-Only CPR involves providing continuous chest compressions to someone who has collapsed and is unresponsive. This simple approach is more suitable for rescuers who experience such situations in their presence. It eliminates the need for rescue breaths, making it more accessible for bystanders to intervene in emergencies. Here are the correct hands-only CPR steps to perform when you experience one:
Step 1: The first step in performing Hands-Only CPR is to assess the situation and ensure that it is safe for both you and the victim. Immediately take your cell phone out and call 911 to activate EMS. In the first few minutes after calling, proceed with the next steps to begin CPR.
Step 2: The next step is to check for responsiveness. Gently tap the victim’s shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?” Check if the person is responsive or shows any signs of consciousness. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally or only gasping, call 911 immediately or instruct someone nearby to call.
Step 3: Now place the person on their back on a firm flat surface. Ensure their airway is clear by tilting their head back slightly.
Step 4: Now begin chest compressions. Follow these steps to perform compressions:
- Kneel beside the victim’s chest.
- Place the heel of one hand on the center of the victim’s chest, right between the nipples.
- Place your other hand on top of the first hand, interlocking your fingers.
- Position your shoulders directly over your hands and keep your arms straight.
- Push hard and fast in the center, aiming for a compression depth of at least two inches (about 5 centimeters).
- Keep pushing hard and perform compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions to enable blood flow.
Step 5: Keep performing compressions until paramedics arrive or the person shows signs of movement, such as normal breathing, coughing, or opening their eyes.
Join Hands-Only CPR training at Heart Start CPR
The American Heart Association recommends Hands-Only CPR for bystanders and individuals who witness an adult suddenly collapse due to cardiac arrest. It can be easily learned through CPR training. It’s easy to learn and can be performed by anyone, anywhere, without the need for rescue breaths. Therefore, don’t hesitate to join CPR classes today to save someone’s life and become a true hero in your community. In just a few minutes, you can gain the skills to make a life-saving difference in emergencies for your loved ones, colleagues, or strangers in need.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Is Hands-Only CPR OK?
Yes, Hands-Only CPR is considered effective and is recommended for use by laypersons in emergencies where a person experiences cardiac arrest. Studies have shown that Hands-Only CPR can be as effective as traditional CPR for adults, especially when performed immediately by bystanders.
Is Hands-Only CPR basically done in the same way as normal CPR without the breaths?
No, hands only CPR uses chest compressions method only whereas traditional CPR focuses on chest compressions with mouth to mouth rescue breaths. So, its not done in the same way as normal CPR.
What is the main difference between CPR and Hands-only CPR?
The main difference between CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and Hands-Only CPR is the inclusion of rescue breaths. Traditional CPR involves cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths wheras Hands-Only CPR involves only chest compressions with no rescue breaths. Hands-Only CPR is recommended for laypersons who may not be trained or comfortable performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Why is mouth-to-mouth no longer recommended?
Mouth to mouth rescue breath is no longer recommended because strangers are hesitant to perform it and it has been found that stopping chest compressions to perform mouth-to-mouth interrupts the flow of blood. Moreover, there is high chance of disease spread through mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths. Hands-Only CPR is much more effective in such situation than traditional CPR.
