Correct Posture When Performing CPR

CPR Resources

CPR Resources

CPR posture article header

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical lifesaving skill that can significantly improve the chances of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.

While many people are trained in CPR techniques, the importance of proper posture during CPR cannot be overstated.

Correct posture not only enhances the effectiveness of chest compressions but also minimizes the risk of injury to both the rescuer and the victim.

The following guidance is assuming that the casualty is an adult, lying flat on the floor.

The Significance of Posture in CPR

The effectiveness of CPR hinges on the ability to provide adequate chest compressions to maintain blood flow to vital organs.

Proper posture plays a pivotal role in achieving sufficient depth and rate of compressions, ensuring optimal circulation and oxygenation to the brain and other organs.

Additionally, maintaining the correct posture reduces fatigue and allows the rescuer to perform CPR more effectively for an extended period if needed. Poor posture may result in injuries, especially if you are performing CPR for an extended period.

Positioning of the Rescuer

Kneel beside the victim, ensuring that your shoulders are in line with the casualty’s chest.

You should be a little less than arms-length away from the casualty. Not only does this allow you to use your body weight effectively for compressions, it also allows you to lower down to deliver rescue breaths without having to shuffle your body around or bend at an awkward angle.

Knees should be spread to shoulder width to help you maintain a stable and balanced stance, and to provide maximum leverage for chest compressions.

Hand Placement

Place the heel of one hand (usually the dominant hand) on the centre of the casualty's chest, right on the middle of the sternum.

Ensure that the other hand is placed directly on top of the first hand. You may choose to interlock your fingers, have the hands flat, or have the upper hand supporting the wrist of the lower hand – whatever is most comfortable for you.

Note that the hands should be at right angles to the sternum, so that your fingers would be touching the casualty’s ribs. Be careful to not allow your hands to twist, or your fingers to palpate the liver/stomach at the lower end of the ribs.

Arm Position

Keep your arms straight and perpendicular to the victim's chest.

Position your shoulders directly above your hands to facilitate effective transfer of force during compressions.

Maintain a slight bend at the elbows to prevent hyperextension and reduce the risk of fatigue.

Ensure you are not using your arm or chest muscles for compressions – rather, you should use your body weight.

Body Alignment

Keep your back straight and the torso aligned with your arms and hands.

Engage your core muscles to provide stability and support during chest compressions.

Avoid hunching or arching your back, as this can diminish the force applied to the chest.

Compression Technique

Depress the casualty’s chest to a third of the chest depth with each compression, allowing for adequate recoil between compressions.

Ensure a compression rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, maintaining a steady rhythm.

Allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression to facilitate blood flow back to the heart.

CPR Posture Chart

Benefits of Proper CPR Posture

  • Enhanced effectiveness of chest compressions, leading to improved outcomes for the casualty.
  • Reduced risk of musculoskeletal injuries for the rescuer, such as strains and sprains.
  • Increased endurance, allowing the rescuer to sustain CPR efforts for longer durations without fatigue.
  • Improved coordination and consistency in delivering compressions, resulting in more reliable circulation support for the casualty.

Conclusion

Maintaining the correct posture is essential for performing effective CPR and maximizing the chances of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.

By following the guidelines outlined in this article, rescuers can ensure optimal positioning and technique for adult casualties, thereby enhancing the quality of chest compressions and minimizing the risk of injury.

Continuous training and practice are key to mastering proper CPR posture and improving overall proficiency in lifesaving interventions.

Originally published at https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/correct-posture-when-performing-cpr
as part of the Australia Wide First Aid Articles Library

Related Articles

Wheelchair CPR article header
CPR for Persons in Wheelchairs

Despite its apparent simplicity, bystanders often delay providing CPR to people with special conditions such as those in wheelchairs. This delayed response may be due to a lack of knowledge on what to do in such situations or the perceived complexity of the procedure due to the casualty's condition. However, the CPR principle remains the same for all casualties, whether they are in wheelchairs or not.

Spooky CPR Article Header
Halloween Style CPR Instructions

In this spine-tingling journey of resuscitation, maintain your grim composure, for you tread the precipice between the realms of life and death. Whether you are a mere mortal or a master of the macabre arts, remember that your actions can either prolong existence or plunge it further into the abyss. Proceed with a sense of dread, for you stand at the precipice of despair.

A man giving CPR to an unconscious female swimmer
Learn CPR in a Snap!

Knowing how to perform basic first aid and CPR is essential to be prepared for any emergency situation. Taking the time to learn the basics of CPR and first aid can save a life. This article will provide safety tips for every situation, prepare you for emergencies, and explain the basic first aid and CPR basics. It will also explain why taking a first aid course is essential for knowing how to save lives.

why-parents-should-learn-cpr
CPR Training for Parents

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Studies show that, when CPR is delivered timely during a medical emergency, it can greatly increase the casualty's chance of survival. As such, it is absolutely a skill recommended for parents and caregivers.

why-and-when-to-use-a-defibrillator
Your Guide to Using a Defibrillator

When someone is in cardiac arrest, a defibrillator is used to kick start the heart again or regulate abnormal heartrate. It is important to know when and how to use a defibrillator, as they can greatly increase a person's chances of survival.

CPR illustration
How to Learn CPR

CPR provides the patient with life-giving oxygen until they can receive full medical treatment. It buys time in these emergency situations and is used when a person is oxygen-deprived, commonly because of near drowning, cardiac arrest, and drug overdose.

How to perform CPR Adults and Older Children
How CPR is performed on adults & older children

See how CPR is done on an adult or older child (over 8 years old) in this guide. You can also go to specific guides on CPR for children, infants, and during pregnancy. If you’re in an emergency, call 000.

chimpanzee seated in zoo enclosure
5 Lives Changed by CPR

Browsing news stories related to CPR reveals people from around the world, calling on their knowledge of first aid to resuscitate another person in need.

Cutaway diagram showing chest under CPR compressions
What is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation – CPR, for short – is a game-changer when a person's heart has stopped beating. Despite its effectiveness, the technique itself is relatively simple.

How to perform CPR Pregnancy
How CPR is performed on a pregnant person

See how to perform CPR on someone pregnant in this guide. You can also go to specific guides on CPR for adults, children and infants. If you’re in an emergency, call (000).