Hands-Only CPR

Hands-only (compression-only) CPR was first launched in 2009 by The American Heart Association to increase the likelihood that people would perform CPR in an emergency.

Hands-only CPR is just what it says, CPR without giving the victim breaths.

The purpose of Hands-only CPR is to get more people to learn how to save a life.  According to the American Heart Association, 70 percent of Americans feel helpless to begin CPR because they aren't trained or they are afraid to hurt the victim.

Removing the breathing component of CPR accomplishes two things.  First, it simplifies the process by eliminating ventilations.  Second, it increases the likelihood that a bystander will begin compressions, knowing that they wouldn't be required to perform mouth-to-mouth ventilations on a stranger. 

Hands-only CPR can be learned in one minute by watching a short video.  Visit heart.org/handsonlycpr (or heart.org/rcp for Spanish resources).

Over 100,000 people have learned the life-saving skills of Hands-only CPR at Kiosks which have been placed in high-traffic areas such as airports.  According to the AHA, this training has already saved lives.

Hands-only CPR is primarly used when you see a teen or adult suddenly collapes.

Yes!  Hands-only CPR is NOT recommended for children.  The cause of their collapse is likely related to a breathing emergency.  Therefore, children will require ventilations (breathing) and "Regular" CPR.