How do you correctly position a patient for effective CPR?

To perform effective CPR, it is essential to position the patient correctly. The proper method involves placing the patient on their back on a firm, flat surface. This position ensures that there is adequate chest movement during compressions, which is vital for generating enough pressure to circulate blood throughout the body. It also helps maintain an open airway, enhancing the chances of successful ventilation if rescue breaths are given.

A patient lying on their side or sitting upright would impair the effectiveness of chest compressions and may obstruct the airway, thereby reducing the chances of successful resuscitation. Additionally, positioning the patient on their stomach is unsuitable as it hampers effective thoracic compressions and may lead to further airway complications. The back-lying position on a firm surface is universally recognized as the optimal setup for cardiopulmonary resuscitation to maximize the chances of survival in a cardiac arrest situation.