Hands-Only CPR
About
Hands-Only CPR is a critical skill that can increase a person’s chances of survival in the event of cardiac arrest. By removing rescue breaths, this method is easier to learn and increases the likelihood of bystander intervention. Additionally, it allows clubs to offer a more accessible and efficient training experience for their members.
Getting Started
• Get Approval: Start by obtaining approval from your Red Cross Region. The Region’s Youth Engagement Lead (YEL) should always be informed about any events. After regional approval, contact your school’s administration to get the event approved.
• Hands-Only CPR training is typically easier to approve than full CPR courses, but be sure to check with your Red Cross region for compliance with local guidelines and equipment availability.
• Coordinate with Red Cross Team
• Reach out to your local Red Cross team in advance—some regions may offer Hands-Only CPR training led by external trainers while others may have different options available.
• Additionally, confirm how your clubs will obtain the necessary equipment, such as CPR dummies. While most Red Cross Regions provide these resources, availability may vary depending on your location. Be sure to confirm all details with your local Red Cross team to ensure a smooth event.
• Finalize a date, time, and location.
• Choose an easily accessible venue capable of accommodating a large group of people.
• Be sure to share these links with participants for helpful information on when and how to perform Hands-Only CPR: When to Use Hands-Only CPR, How to Perform Hands-Only CPR
Preparation Period:
• Recruit volunteers to guide registration, setting up materials, directing attendees, and ensuring a smooth and organized event.
• We recommend using an online form to collect volunteer sign-ups and assign roles.
• Create and distribute flyers across campus and on social media to promote the event.
• Ensure they include a QR code or sign-up link for easy registration.
• We recommend starting promotion at least one month in advance.
On the day of the event:
• Send out reminder emails/texts to all the training session attendees and volunteers registered for the event.
• Prepare the necessary decorations, tables/stations, equipment, & signs for the event.
• Begin set-up a few hours before the training’s start time.
• We recommend that attendees watch this video about Hands-Only CPR before the event to familiarize themselves with the process: When to Use Hands-Only CPR
Additional Resources
*Note: The link at the bottom leads to a full CPR certification course, which includes more advanced techniques and equipment, such as rescue masks, unlike the Hands-Only CPR training.