What position should the patient be in for effective CPR?

In order to perform effective CPR, the patient should be in a supine position, meaning lying flat on their back. This positioning is crucial because it allows for optimal access to the chest for compression. When the chest is flat, it enables the rescuer to apply compressions directly over the sternum, which is essential for generating adequate blood flow during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Being supine also facilitates proper airway management, as rescuers can position the head using the chin lift or jaw thrust maneuver to open the airway effectively. Moreover, performing compressions while the patient is on their back reduces the risk of obstruction in the airway, which could occur if the patient is in any other position.

Positions like prone (lying on the stomach) or twisted to the side are not suitable because they would obstruct access to the chest for compressions and could potentially hinder effective ventilation. A seated position might not provide the necessary surface area for proper compressions and could also be uncomfortable or unsafe for the patient in a critical state. Therefore, the supine position is the gold standard for performing CPR.