How to Position the Patient When Performing CPR

The process of performing CPR is fairly easy to understand. Groups like the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross have done their best to simplify the steps of performing CPR so that laypersons and health care providers can be equally capable of saving lives in times of need. Before you can begin performing CPR, you'll need to position the patient's body correctly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Move the patient to her back. Position her head so that it faces upwards.
2. Tilt the victim's head backwards, opening all the airways so you'll be able to force air into her lungs. The patient's head should be tilted into the "sniffing" position.
3. Position the patient's jaw so that the mouth is opened. Perform a "chin lift" to pull the jaw forward so the mouth falls open. Look inside the patient's mouth to make sure that nothing is obstructing the flow of air.
4. Position your mouth over the patient's mouth. Form a tight seal around the patient's mouth and pinch her nose shut to keep air directed into the lungs. When performing CPR on a child, you should position your mouth over his mouth and nose simultaneously.
5. Hold your hands together and prepare to administer chest compressions. Locate the ideal spot on the patient's chest by positioning your hands near the center of the chest and an inch beneath the position of the patient's nipples.
6. Roll the patient onto her side once she begins to recover a heart rate and respiratory control. When CPR is performed, excess oxygen can be forced into a patient's stomach. This can cause them to gasp, cough or even vomit after being revived by CPR.
7. Advise the patient to stay off her feet until trained medical professionals arrive to offer treatment.
8. Read more detailed information on how to position a patient to receive CPR by reviewing the guidelines listed on the official website of the American Heart Association (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan to use a CPR barrier device for protection against the spread of infectious disease, you should position the barrier over the mouth before administering rescue breaths. While a barrier may provide a modest degree of protection for the individual administering CPR, they're not necessary to save lives.
• Make sure to be careful when positioning your hands to deliver chest compressions. If you position your hands too far down the chest, you run the risk of cracking the sternum bones located near the xiphoid process.