how to know where to place hands for cpr

"CPR Hand Placement: Where to Put Your Hands for Effective Chest Compressions"

By David AllenJanuary 4, 2026

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial skill that can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. One of the most common questions beginners have is "Where do I place my hands for CPR?" This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of locating the correct hand placement for effective CPR.

Understanding the CPR Hand Placement

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that for adult victims of cardiac arrest, CPR should be performed using a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2. This means that for every 30 compressions, you should give 2 breaths. The key to effective CPR is quick and accurate hand placement for compressions.

Locating the Center of the Chest

To begin, kneel beside the victim and place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest. The center of the chest is located midway between the nipples, along the line that runs down the middle of the body. This is often referred to as the "angle of Louis" or the "sternal notch."

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How to Perform Hands Only CPR In 4 Easy Steps

Placing the Second Hand

Place the heel of your second hand on top of the first hand, stacking them like a stack of coins. Ensure that your fingers are interlaced and that your thumbs are resting on the chest, directly above the ribs. Your thumbs should be in line with each other and your fingers should be pointing upwards.

Ensuring Correct Hand Position

To ensure that you're compressing in the correct spot, here are a few tips:

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Press Down 2 Inches (5 Centimeters): When compressing, you should press down at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) on the chest. This is about the depth of your knuckle.
Avoid Compressing Too Hard or Too Soft: Compressing too hard can cause rib fractures, while compressing too softly may not provide enough blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.
Keep Your Elbows Straight: Keeping your elbows straight and your shoulders directly above your hands will help you generate the necessary force for compressions.

Adjusting for Children and Infants

For children and infants, the hand placement is slightly different:

Children (1 Year to Puberty): Use one or two hands, depending on the size of the child. For a child, place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest. For larger children, you can use two hands, stacking them like you would for an adult.
Infants (Under 1 Year): Use two fingers to compress the chest. Place your fingers on the breastbone, just below the nipples, and compress about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters).

Practicing CPR

Practicing CPR can help you become more comfortable with the hand placement and compression technique. The AHA recommends that CPR should be performed at a rate of at least 100 to 120 compressions per minute. A good way to remember this rate is to sing the Bee Gees' song "Stayin' Alive" in your head while performing CPR.

Remember, CPR is a critical skill that can save lives. If you're unsure about your CPR skills, consider taking a certified CPR course. These courses provide hands-on training and can help you gain the confidence you need to perform CPR in an emergency.