Table of Contents
- What Is Hands-Only CPR?
- When to Use Hands-Only CPR
- How to Perform Hands-Only CPR
- 5 Benefits of Hands-Only CPR
- The Role of AEDs with Hands-Only CPR
- The Life-Saving Effect of Hands-Only CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that is of utmost importance in emergencies, particularly during sudden cardiac arrest. Hands-only CPR is a simplified version of traditional CPR. This technique helps maintain blood circulation to vital organs and increases the chances of survival. In this blog, we will discuss what hands-only CPR is, when and how to use it, its benefits, and why it is essential in emergencies.
What Is Hands-Only CPR?
Hands-only CPR is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone’s heart stops beating. The technique involves chest compressions without giving mouth-to-mouth breaths. Additionally, this CPR without breaths method is simple, effective, and suitable for untrained bystanders. It is often used when an adult or teenager suddenly collapses due to cardiac arrest.
The goal of hands-only CPR is to keep blood moving to vital organs, especially the brain and heart, until medical help arrives.
Moreover, studies show that hands-only CPR is as effective as traditional CPR in most cases. It is beneficial for bystanders who are not trained in full CPR. Many people hesitate to give mouth-to-mouth breaths. Hands-only CPR removes this barrier.
Read More: Cardiac disease in the young: Recognizing and Understanding Early Signs.
When to Use Hands-Only CPR
Hands-only CPR can save a life in certain situations. However, it is important to know when to use it and when full CPR is necessary.
For Teens or Adults Who Collapse Suddenly
Hands-only CPR is recommended when a teen or adult suddenly collapses and shows no signs of breathing. This often happens due to a heart-related issue.
In such cases, starting chest compressions immediately can help keep blood flowing to vital organs, especially the brain, until professional help arrives.
Prompt action is necessary in these situations as the chances of survival decrease quickly without immediate intervention.
When the Rescuer Is Not Trained in Full CPR
If you are not trained in full CPR (which includes rescue breaths), hands-only CPR is the safest option. The technique focuses on chest compressions to keep blood circulating.
Although full CPR is ideal, hands-only CPR can still be highly effective and can help save a life in an emergency.
However, it is important to remember that even untrained bystanders can help by performing hands-only CPR.
In Emergencies in Public Places Where Time Is Critical
Hands-only CPR is also the best choice in public places like shopping malls, parks, or offices, where help may take longer to arrive. In these situations, every second counts. Delaying CPR can reduce the effectiveness of the intervention, so immediate action is key.
Men’s and women’s CPR hand placement is not different. Also, hands-only CPR is not recommended for infants or children. These groups require full CPR, which includes rescue breaths along with chest compressions.
Similarly, drowning victims often need full CPR as they may require rescue breaths to restore their breathing.
How to Perform Hands-Only CPR
Performing hands-only CPR is a life-saving skill that anyone can learn. It involves only chest compressions and can make a difference during emergencies. Here are certain guidelines for hands-only CPR steps:
Check the Scene and the Person
Before starting, ensure the area around you is safe and that you know the CPR position of hands. This is important to avoid putting yourself or others in danger. Once safe, approach the person and check if they are responsive.
Gently tap their shoulder and ask if they are fine. If they do not respond or show signs of movement, it is likely a medical emergency.
Call for Help
If the person does not respond, call for help immediately. Use speaker mode on your phone if you are alone, so you can continue with CPR while staying in contact with emergency responders.
Provide the dispatcher with clear details about your location and the situation.
Start Chest Compressions
Kneel beside the person. Place the heel of one hand on the center of their chest, just below the nipple line. For CPR hand placement, put your other hand on top, interlocking your fingers.
Keep your arms straight and shoulders directly above your hands to apply adequate force. Push down hard and fast, aiming for a depth of at least 2 inches.
Maintain a steady rhythm of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, similar to the beat of a fast song. Allow the chest to rise completely between compressions to ensure proper circulation.
Continue Until Help Arrives
Do not stop chest compressions unless emergency personnel arrive to take over or the person shows clear signs of life, such as movement or breathing.
If you become tired and another trained person is available, take turns without disrupting the compressions.
Read More: Everything you need to know about ACLS
5 Benefits of Hands-Only CPR
Every second counts during cardiac arrest. The brain starts to suffer damage after 4-6 minutes without oxygen. Hands-only CPR can enhance the chances of survival. Immediate action by bystanders makes a big difference.
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Simple to Perform
Nowadays, it is necessary to know how to do CPR. Hands-only CPR is easy to learn and carry out. It only involves chest compressions, so no mouth-to-mouth breathing is required.
It allows more people to take action in emergencies without hesitation.
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Increases Survival Chances
Hands-on CPR only helps maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain. The compressions keep oxygen-rich blood circulating until professional help arrives and reducing the risk of brain damage and improving survival chances.
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Encourages Quick Action
Many people hesitate to perform CPR because they feel uncomfortable with mouth-to-mouth breathing. Hands-only CPR removes this barrier.
The faster CPR is started, the better the chance of survival. Hands-only CPR simplifies the process and encourages immediate action without delays.
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No Need for Special Training
Unlike traditional CPR, hands-only CPR does not require professional training or certification. Basic awareness is enough to perform it correctly.
It allows more people to confidently assist in emergencies, knowing that they can help without needing advanced skills or equipment.
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Effective in Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Hands-only CPR is particularly beneficial for adults who experience sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital.
During such an event, blood stops circulating, and organs begin to suffer from a lack of oxygen. Hands-only CPR provides an immediate solution by keeping blood flowing.
The Role of AEDs with Hands-Only CPR
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used to restart the heart during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). AEDs are common in public places and are easy to use even without medical training. When paired with proper placement of hands for CPR, an AED can improve survival chances.
AEDs are simple to operate. Once turned on, they provide clear voice instructions. The device analyzes the heart’s rhythm and tells the user when to apply the pads along with when to stop CPR and when to deliver a shock. CPR should continue until the AED advises a shock.
Steps for Using an AED
- Switch on the AED. It will guide you through each step with voice instructions.
- Place one pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left. Ensure the skin is dry and clean.
- Keep performing CPR until the AED analyzes the rhythm. If needed, the AED will prompt you to stop CPR, deliver a shock, and then resume chest compressions..
The Life-Saving Effect of Hands-Only CPR
Hands-only CPR is a helpful and proven life-saving technique that can make a significant difference in cardiac emergencies. It is simple to learn and easy to perform, even for those without formal CPR training. As we know that in any serious situation, every second counts, and hands-only CPR can drastically improve a person’s chances of survival. So take the time to learn this important skill and encourage others to do the same. After all, your quick action could be the difference between life and death in an emergency.
References:
- https://ufhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/hands-only-cpr
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000013.htm#:~:text=Permanent%20brain%20damage%20begins%20after,are%20available%20for%20home%20use.
- https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/signs-and-symptoms-in-women/learn-how-to-perform-hands-only-cpr
