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URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100219.htm

CPR - adult - series—Chest compressions

Chest compressions

Overview

4. Perform chest compressions:

  • Place the heel of one hand on the breastbone, just below the nipples.
  • Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand.
  • Position your body directly over your hands.
  • Give 30 chest compressions. These compressions should be FAST and hard. Press down about 2 inches into the chest. Each time, let the chest rise completely.
  • Count the 30 compressions quickly: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, off.

Review Date 1/8/2025

Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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