Critical Concepts in Basic Life Support

• Before resuscitating a patient, always ensure the scene is safe!
• Perform high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Continuous chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute
• Limit interruptions to chest compressions (interruptions should be 10 seconds or less)
• For adults, chest compressions should be between 2 and 2.4 inches (5 to 6 cm)
• Allow full recoil of the chest between compressions
• Rescuer should not lean body weight on victim between compressions
• Two hands on the lower half of sternum (breastbone)
• Heel of one hand on breastbone, other hand on top of first hand
• Lock arms straight with shoulders above victim’s heart