Proper Technique Works Every Time

Performing CPR skills correctly can make all the difference in assisting a victim experiencing a cardiac arrest. The skill that most positively impacts a victim's survival is CPR with an emphasis on high-quality chest compressions. Many come into my classes performing chest compressions at the bottom of the sternum (on the diaphragm or at the upper middle portion of the sternum (near the neck). Chest compressions should be performed at the bottom third of the breastbone. Which should be about one inch above the xiphoid process. The xiphoid process is the little bone at the base of the sternum. You can find it if you follow your ribcage all the way up. It feels funny when you touch it. Yea, that little bone. We don't ever want to compress on that bone (you will break it!) but it is a landmark for us. We want the heel of our hand about an inch above it. One way to get that placement is find the victim's xiphoid process with your fingers then place two fingers flat above that little bone. If you do that, you will be an inch above that bone. Place the heel of your hand

right there then your other hand on top of that bottom hand, clasp your fingers and begin compressions.