How to Determine Depth of CPR Chest Compressions

Chest compressions mimic what the heart does and help to move oxygenated blood through the body. You're trapping the heart between the sternum and the spine and pushing on it to squeeze the blood out of it. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when doing CPR is not pushing deep enough into the chest.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Compress the chest 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest in children and infants. Do not worry about bruising the heart or cracking the sternum or a rib. They will heal afterward.

2. Press about 1 1/2 to 2 inches down for adults or anyone who over the age of 8. For infants and younger children, press about a 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest.

3. Make certain you fully release the chest so the heart can recoil.

4. When working on adults, place your hands on top of each other, keep your arms straight and lock (do not bend) your elbows so you can compress the chest fully while conserving your energy. Remember, you may be doing CPR compressions for some time before help arrives and you do not want to quit due to exhaustion too early.

5. Use your fingers to do chest compressions when doing CPR on an infant. You do not need to lock your elbows or keep your arms straight.

Tips & Warnings

• Under the Good Samaritan Law, you cannot be sued or prosecuted if you hurt the person while trying to help them.
• This information does not replace an American Heart Association CPR class.

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Resources

• Go the American Heart Association for more information.