During adult CPR, how should the rescuer's hands be positioned for effective compressions?

For effective adult CPR compressions, the rescuer’s hands should be positioned one on top of the other in the center of the chest. This positioning allows for the most effective transfer of force directly onto the sternum, which is crucial for generating the necessary pressure to circulate blood during the compressions. It also ensures that the compressions are delivered at the correct depth and rate, which is essential for maximizing blood flow to the heart and brain during cardiac arrest.

Placing the hands in this way also helps the rescuer maintain proper body mechanics and leverage, which can prevent fatigue and allow for higher quality compressions. The recommended depth for chest compressions is about 2 to 2.4 inches in adults, and the placement of the hands in the center of the chest facilitates the ability to achieve this depth effectively.

In contrast, positioning hands with palms together on the chest or over the heart does not provide the same level of power or control in compressing the chest. Using the abdomen for hand placement is not effective and does not contribute to the necessary mechanics of CPR. Therefore, the configuration of one hand atop the other in the center of the chest is crucial for effective adult CPR.