Many people who survive a cardiac emergency are helped by a bystander. In this short video, you can learn how to perform Hands-Only CPR – so that you can help deliver life-saving care until professional responders arrive.
Watch as experts from the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory share their advice on how you can deliver lifesaving care to someone in cardiac arrest until professional responders arrive
Ask the Experts: How to Respond to a Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Ask the Experts: Check Call Care
Hands-only CPR, or compression-only CPR, is simple and easy to learn and perform on adults. To perform CPR on a child or baby in a cardiac arrest, click here.
Have someone call 9-1-1 and get an AED.
Ensure the person is on their back on a firm, flat surface.
Kneel beside the person.
Your knees should be near the person’s body and spread about shoulder-width apart.
Use correct hand placement.
Place the heel of one hand in the center of their chest, with your other hand on top.
Interlace your fingers and make sure they are up off the chest.
Use correct body position.
Position your body so that your shoulders are directly over your hands.
Lock your elbows to keep your arms straight.
Give continuous compressions.
Push hard and fast (at least 2 inches; 100 to 120 compressions per minute).
Allow chest to return to its normal position after each compression.
Use an AED as soon as it is available.
Hands-Only CPR can help gain precious time for a person experiencing a cardiac event but knowing First Aid, CPR and how to use an AED will enable you to provide life-saving care in a range of emergencies. The Red Cross offers convenient, flexible training options in this and other health and safety topics.
Life-threatening emergencies happen every day in the workplace, in our homes and in our community. Are you prepared to be the help until help arrives? The Red Cross Until Help Arrives online course will educate and empower you to take action and provide life-saving care when you are the first on the scene during an emergency.
Download The Red Cross First Aid Mobile App. Along with First Aid, the Red Cross provides a variety of mobile apps so that you have expert information when and where you need it most.
Get instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies.
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