In a life-threatening emergency, every second counts, and knowing how to perform Hands-Only CPR can make a critical difference. Hands-Only CPR is a simple and effective technique designed for anyone to help save a life during a cardiac arrest. Unlike traditional CPR, which includes both chest compressions and rescue breaths, Hands-Only CPR focuses solely on chest compressions. This method has been proven to be just as effective for adult victims, making it easier for bystanders to step in and provide crucial help.
Yet, according to the reports, over 356,000 people experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the U.S. in 2015, with nearly 90% of these incidents proving fatal. One crucial factor that can dramatically impact survival rates is the use of CPR, particularly Hands-Only CPR. This simple yet life-saving technique involves performing chest compressions without rescue breaths, making it easier for bystanders to help.
Victims who receive Hands-Only CPR are 2.5 to 3 times more likely to survive, but unfortunately, many people still hesitate to perform it. Understanding and learning Hands-Only CPR can make a significant difference in emergency situations.
In this article, we’ll discuss what is hands only CPR, how it is different from regular CPR and why one needs to know about it.
What Is Hands Only CPR?
Hands-only CPR, this is a life-saving technique used during an emergency when someone has a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital. Hands-Only CPR is different from traditional CPR, where both chest compressions and rescue breaths are used.
This simplifies the procedure for bystanders so that they can perform effective CPR even without mouth-to-mouth breaths. The technique is done by forcefully pressing down into the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Hands-Only CPR should be used in case adults suddenly collapse since it helps keep blood flowing to the heart and brain. All these works can enhance chances of survival until professional medical help arrives.
Why is Hands-Only CPR Important?
The biggest advantage of Hands-Only CPR is that it encourages more people to step in and help. Many people are more likely to use compression-only CPR because they might not have the right training or are worried about spreading germs through mouth-to-mouth contact.
In emergencies, even those who want to assist can feel anxious about the risk of infection. That’s why CPR classes often teach how to use a mask for rescue breaths to avoid spreading germs. But with Hands-Only CPR, you don’t need to worry about having a mask or putting yourself at risk.
Learning Hands-Only CPR is straightforward and can make a big difference in saving lives. To be fully prepared, consider signing up for a CPR Certification course. It will teach you the skills and give you the confidence to act in an emergency.
How to Perform Hands-Only CPR
Performing Hands-Only CPR is a crucial skill that can help save lives in emergency situations. Here are the steps to perform Hands-Only CPR:
1. Check the Scene and The Person
Before starting Hands-Only CPR, it’s essential to ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the victim. First, quickly scan the surroundings to confirm there are no immediate dangers, such as traffic, fire, or hazardous materials.
Once the scene is deemed safe, approach the person and gently tap their shoulder while loudly asking if they are okay. This helps determine if the person is responsive. Simultaneously, observe their chest for any signs of normal breathing.
If the person does not respond and is not breathing or only gasping, it indicates a need for immediate CPR. This initial assessment is crucial as it ensures that CPR is performed only when necessary and in a safe environment.
2. Call for Help
When performing Hands-Only CPR, calling for help is a critical step that can significantly increase the chances of survival for the person in need. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, immediately call 911 or ask someone nearby to do so. This ensures that professional medical assistance is on the way while you continue to provide chest compressions.
As discussed many times, immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival after cardiac arrest. However, only about 40% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help they need before professional help arrives.
Therefore, calling for help promptly is essential to bridge this gap and improve survival rates.
3. Position the Victim
When positioning the victim, carefully lay them on their back on a firm, flat surface to ensure effective chest compressions.
For example, if you’re in a park and someone collapses, gently roll the person onto their back, making sure they’re lying on the grass or a nearby picnic table that is sturdy and flat. Avoid placing them on a soft surface like a couch or bed, as this can reduce the effectiveness of the compressions.
The flat surface ensures that your compressions will compress the chest properly and provide the best chance of circulating blood to vital organs until help arrives.
4. Perform Chest Compressions
To begin chest compressions, first, position yourself correctly by kneeling beside the person. Next, you have to do the following:
- Place the heel of one hand on the center of their chest, specifically on the lower half of the breastbone.
- Then, place your other hand on top of the first hand and interlace your fingers. Ensure your shoulders are directly over your hands and keep your arms straight.
- Using your body weight, push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, aiming for a depth of at least 2 inches.
It’s important to allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions to ensure effective blood flow. Note that this is the right way to perform CPR for an adult who has stopped breathing. The steps are different for babies and kids.
5. Continue CPR
Continue performing chest compressions without interruption until emergency services arrive or the person shows signs of recovery, such as normal breathing or responsiveness. Make sure that each compression is deep and at the correct rate, allowing the chest to fully rise between compressions to maintain effective blood flow.
If you become too exhausted to continue, seek help or delegate the task to someone else if possible. Consistent, high-quality compressions are crucial for maintaining circulation and increasing the victim’s chances of survival.
When to Use Hands-Only CPR
Hands-Only CPR is recommended in basically three major situations:
- When an adult or teen suddenly collapses
- When you are untrained in full CPR
- In out-of-hospital settings
Let’s break down these.
1. When an Adult or Teen Suddenly Collapses
If an adult or teenager suddenly collapses and isn’t responding, it’s important to act fast. Hands-Only CPR can save their life. First, call emergency services, then start chest compressions right away. This keeps blood flowing to the important organs until help arrives.
Hands-Only CPR is effective because it’s simple, so it’s easier for people nearby to step in without delay. Quick action can greatly improve the chances of the person surviving and recovering.
2. When You Are Untrained in Full CPR
If you haven’t had formal CPR training or don’t feel comfortable doing mouth-to-mouth, Hands-Only CPR is a simple and effective option.
This method involves only chest compressions, making it easier for anyone to use, even without full CPR training. By pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest, you help keep blood flowing until help arrives.
To boost your skills and confidence in emergencies, you might want to get a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, which covers both Hands-Only CPR and traditional CPR techniques.
3. In Out-Of-Hospital Settings
Hands-Only CPR is particularly useful in out-of-hospital settings, such as public places, homes, or workplaces, where immediate action can significantly increase the chances of survival.
In these environments, professional medical help may not be readily available, and bystanders often need to step in quickly. Performing chest compressions without the need for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation can simplify the process of Hands-Only CPR.
This immediate intervention can help maintain blood flow to vital organs until emergency responders arrive, improving the victim’s chances of recovery.
Common Misconceptions of Hands-Only CPR
Hands-Only CPR is a vital skill, but several misconceptions can lead to hesitation or incorrect application. Let’s address some of the most common myths:
1. Hands-Only CPR is Only for Adults
Fact: Some people think Hands-Only CPR is only for adults, but that’s not entirely true. While Hands-Only CPR is very effective for adults, it can also be used for children in certain situations.
However, for infants and younger children, traditional CPR with rescue breaths is usually better because their bodies need different care.
It’s important to know the right technique for different age groups to provide the best help in an emergency.
2. You Can Do More Harm Than Good with Hands-Only CPR
Fact: Another common myth is that Hands-Only CPR might cause more harm than good. In reality, this is unlikely. The compressions help keep blood flowing to the brain and heart, which is crucial for survival.
While it’s true that doing something imperfectly is better than not doing anything, Hands-Only CPR is generally safe and beneficial.
The main goal is to keep the heart pumping until professional help arrives, and the benefits far outweigh the risks.
3. I Might Do It Wrong and Make Things Worse
Fact: Many worry that doing CPR wrong might cause more harm. However, the chance of making things worse is very low compared to not doing anything at all.
For example, if someone collapses and you start chest compressions, even if they aren’t perfect, you’re still helping keep blood flowing to vital organs. This is much better than waiting for help to arrive without doing anything.
So, it’s crucial to act and give compressions, even if you’re unsure.
4. Hands-Only CPR doesn’t work as well as traditional CPR
Fact: Some people think Hands-Only CPR isn’t as effective as traditional CPR, which includes rescue breaths. However, research shows that for adult cardiac arrest, Hands-Only CPR can be just as effective.
The key is continuous chest compressions, which keep blood flowing to the heart and brain.
Several studies have proven that Hands-Only CPR significantly improves survival rates, so it’s a valuable skill to use in emergencies, especially when rescue breaths are difficult to perform.
5. I have to be Trained to Perform Hands-Only CPR
Fact: Some people worry that they need formal training to perform Hands-Only CPR, but you can still help even without it.
The important thing is to start chest compressions if someone collapses from a cardiac arrest.
That said, taking an online CPR certification course is a great way to learn the proper techniques and boost your confidence. It will not only help you perform CPR more effectively but also give you a valuable skill to save lives.
Get Trained Today and Save Lives with Hands-Only CPR
Hands-Only CPR is a simple and important way to help someone having a sudden cardiac arrest. It involves just pressing hard and fast on the chest, without needing to give breaths. This method is easy to learn and can greatly increase the chances of saving a life.
Remember, in an emergency, it’s crucial to act quickly—call for help and start compressions at a steady rate of 100-120 per minute. No need to worry about giving breaths, just keep the compressions going until professional help arrives or the person shows signs of recovery.
Learning Hands-Only CPR can make a significant difference in critical situations. Take a course to be prepared and potentially save a life.
