As a medical professional with extensive experience in emergency response, I can provide you with a detailed explanation on the correct hand placement for chest compressions during adult CPR.

When administering chest compressions, it's crucial to ensure that the hands are placed in the correct anatomical location to maximize the effectiveness of the compressions and to prevent injury to the patient. Here's a step-by-step guide to finding the proper hand position:


1. Ensure the Patient's Safety: Before starting CPR, make sure the scene is safe for both you and the patient. If necessary, move the patient to a firm, flat surface.


2. Open the Airway: Tilt the patient's head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway. This helps in assessing the patient's breathing.


3. Locate the Lower Sternal Notch: The correct hand placement for chest compressions is at the lower half of the sternum. To locate this, place two fingers at the point where the lower ribs meet the sternum. This is known as the xiphoid process or the lower sternal notch.


4. Place the Heel of Your Hand: Once you've located the lower sternal notch with two fingers, place the heel of your other hand next to your fingers. The heel of your hand should be directly above the lower sternum.


5. Interlock Your Fingers: Remove your fingers from the patient and interlock them with the hand that is already on the patient's chest. This helps to maintain a stable position for compressions.


6. Position Your Body: Stand or kneel beside the patient's chest, with your arms straight and directly over the patient's chest. Your shoulders should be directly above your hands.

7.
Perform Compressions: Push hard and fast, compressing the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep for an adult. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.

8.
Continuous Compressions: Minimize interruptions in chest compressions. If you need to switch rescuers, do so quickly to ensure continuous compressions.

It's important to note that improper hand placement can lead to complications such as rib fractures or damage to internal organs. Therefore, it's essential to follow the guidelines and practice regularly to ensure proficiency in CPR.

Now, let's move on to the translation.

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Adult CPR - Compressions. When performing chest compressions, proper hand placement is very important. To locate the correct hand position place two fingers at the sternum (the spot where the lower ribs meet) then put the heel of your other hand next to your fingers (Figure 1).read more >>