From the DukeHealth.org archives. Content may be out of date.
Hands-Only CPR for Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Hands-only CPR is a lifesaving technique that does not require mouth to mouth resuscitation. If you see someone collapse, check the person’s breathing. Someone who is not breathing and is unresponsive has gone into cardiac arrest. Hands-only (or compression-only) CPR can help save a life by keeping a person’s blood pumping to the heart and brain until help arrives. Do you know the two simple steps?
Step 1: Call 911
If you are with someone else, have that person call while you begin compressions.
TIP: Be specific.
If you call from a mobile phone it's important to give your exact address, as your mobile number is not associated with a fixed location.
Step 2: Push Hard and Fast on the Center of the Chest
TIP: Keep pushing hard and fast until help arrives.
You can stop if the person speaks, moves, or breathes normally.
TIP: Don't be afraid to help.
Performing hands-only CPR can double a person's chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest.
Always Ready
"Knowing hands-only CPR is critically important for anyone over the age of 13," said cardiologist Monique Anderson, MD. "More cardiac arrests occur in the home. You never know when these skills will be needed."
