How to Do Hands-Only CPR

While only those with CPR certification should attempt CPR with rescue breaths, hands-only CPR is a skill anyone can learn and use in an emergency. This simplified technique focuses exclusively on chest compressions and is a lifesaving measure everyone should know and be able to implement. Even if you've never heard of it before, now is the perfect time to learn.

CPR without mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is recommended in situations where a teen or adult suddenly collapses, is nonresponsive and does not have a discernable heartbeat or pulse. Print this post or keep the directions below somewhere safe with your first aid supplies. When every second counts, having this information on hand saves lives and empowers you to take control of an emergency when no certified personnel is available.

How Effective Is CPR Without Rescue Breaths?

Most people have seen the basics of CPR on TV or in movies. Generally, these processes include one additional measure that is not covered in hands-only CPR — the rescue breath. Because these steps are highly emphasized in pop culture, many think that the only helpful form of CPR includes chest compressions and rescue breaths.

However, this is not the case. Studies suggest hands-only CPR is equally or more effective in certain scenarios, especially in those first moments following a cardiac arrest or event. The most important thing in these situations is to keep the heart pumping to deliver blood and oxygen throughout the body, which is the purpose of compressions.

When to Use Conventional CPR

Performing CPR without rescue breaths is fine in most situations, especially for inexperienced administrators and those uncomfortable performing mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths. However, the following situations almost always call for traditional CPR with rescue breaths:

• Pediatric cardiac events: When a child or infant is not breathing, rescue breaths are essential to success.
• Drownings and overdoses: In cases like these, the person suffering may not be able to get breaths of their own without additional assistance.
• Patients with respiratory issues: Similarly, people with preexisting respiratory or cardiopulmonary concerns may need extra oxygen for CPR to be effective.
• Prolonged cardiac arrest: The longer a person stays in cardiac arrest, the more likely they will have permanent damage. After about 8 minutes, traditional CPR is vital.

Steps for Performing Hands-Only CPR

If someone collapses in your vicinity, immediately taking these steps gives them the highest chance of survival.

1. Check the Scene and Person

First, check the state of your surroundings. Is the patient in a relatively safe location? If not, is there a safe way to get them to one? You can only help someone else if you are not in danger yourself, so this should be your first step in completing CPR or any type of medical care.

Next, approach the person and determine their awareness. Call out to them and tap them on their shoulder to see if they're responsive. If they aren't, check for normal, rhythmic breathing and be prepared to start CPR if breaths are shallow, uneven or absent.

2. Call 911

If the person can speak for themself, you may be able to talk to them and determine the best next steps for their situation. If not, it is time to call 911. Direct someone in the vicinity to call 911 and explain the situation. In emergencies like this, it is essential that you choose someone and specifically direct them — people in crowds usually assume someone else will do the work.

Remember, any form of CPR is only a temporary solution. It is in everyone's best interest to have medical professionals on the scene as soon as possible. 

3. Start Compressions

You should start CPR the second you know it is necessary. Take these steps to complete proper compressions:

1. Put the person on their back on a flat, firm surface and kneel beside them.
2. Put your hands on top of each other, and place them on the center of the person's chest. Interlock your fingers and keep them off the chest.
3. Lock your elbows to keep them straight and keep your shoulders directly over your hands.
4. Deliver hard, fast compressions — push your hands down at least 2 inches and complete 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to return to its normal position between compressions.

Tips for Remembering Compression Rate

CPR chest compressions must be done at a specific beat for maximum effectiveness. Luckily, there are millions of ways to help you keep a beat — songs! Any song that has a rhythm between 100 and 120 beats per minute is perfect for completing the CPR technique. The classic recommendation for any kind of CPR is to time your beats with the song “Stayin' Alive” by the Bee Gees, but there are options for every music preference. Try any of these songs, or find your own in your music library:

• “Hips Don't Lie” by Shakira
• “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé and Jay-Z
• “Baby Shark” by Pinkfong
• “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan
• “Like a Prayer” by Madonna
• “22” by Taylor Swift
• “Get Low” by Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz

Additional Resources

Sometimes, the best way to learn is to see the process in action. This video from Heart.org will show you precisely what to do in 90 seconds.

While hands-only CPR has its benefits, traditional CPR can teach you even more about how to help in life-threatening situations. Be prepared for anything by finding a local CPR class or virtual certification course and getting certified now.

Get Your CPR Certification Today

When you're a bystander to a medical emergency, you may feel helpless, overwhelmed or scared. But when it comes to a cardiac emergency, the person experiencing it has a very low chance of survival unless you take action. Knowing the steps of hands-only CPR enables you to take action or help someone else do so until help arrives. Even without medical training or prior experience, you can save a life and build confidence in your actions.

You can also empower yourself even further through CPR certification with Lifework Education. Certification courses from the American Heart Association™ (AHA) and American Red Cross™ (ARC) show you how to complete traditional CPR, operate an automated external defibrillator (AED) machine and learn other essential first aid skills that can make anyone a substitute emergency responder. Find an in-person or virtual course today and take action for others when it matters most.