Table 58-4
- The rescuer should stand or kneel next to the victim's side.
- The heel of one hand is placed on the lower sternum, and the other hand is placed on top of the hand on the victim. Pressing on the xiphoid, which can lead to liver laceration, should be avoided. Even with proper technique, costochondral separation and rib fractures are common.
- Pressure is applied only with the heel of the hand (with the fingers free of contact with the chest) straight down on the sternum with the arms straight and the elbows locked into position so the entire weight of the upper body is used to apply force.
- During relaxation, all pressure is removed, but the hands should not lose contact with the chest wall.
- The sternum must be depressed 3.5–5.0 cm in an average adult (palpable pulse when systolic pressure >50 mm Hg).
- The duration of compression should equal that of relaxation.
- The compression rate should be 80–100/min.