How should you position your hands for chest compressions?

For effective chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), it is crucial to position your hands correctly to deliver adequate force and to ensure the compressions are effective. Placing the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, specifically on the lower half of the sternum, allows for optimal anatomical alignment. The second hand is then positioned on top of the first hand, which stabilizes the compressing hands and facilitates a strong, consistent downward force.

This method maximizes the depth and effectiveness of the compressions while minimizing the risk of injury to the ribs. Proper hand positioning is vital because compressions need to be deep enough (at least 5 cm in adults) and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute to maintain adequate blood flow during cardiac arrest. The correct hand placement also ensures that compressions are delivered in a vertical direction, which is necessary for effective mechanical cardiac function.

In contrast, the other options do not provide the proper positioning and force required for effective compressions, which can compromise the quality of CPR and reduce the chances of survival in a cardiac emergency.