Question

In placing the hands on a patient's sternum to perform CPR, the EMS provider should?

1) Hold the fingers of the bottom hand in a fist formation and fingers on the top hand curved up
2) Fold the fingers under and make a firm fist
3) Hold the fingers outward and slightly away from the chest wall
4) Allow the fingers to curve and conform to the patient's chest

Answer 1

To properly perform CPR, apply pressure with the flat part of one hand on the sternum between the vertebrae at T4 to T9, keeping the fingers extended and off the chest wall.

Step-by-step explanation:

When performing CPR and placing the hands on a patient's sternum, the correct technique involves applying pressure with the flat portion of one hand on the sternum, specifically in the area between the vertebrae at T4 and T9. It is important to position the hands properly to avoid injuries, such as broken ribs or driving the xiphoid process into the liver. The fingers should be interlocked to ensure stability and to avoid applying pressure with the fingertips, which could cause harm. As per the options provided, the fingers should remain extended and clear of the chest wall to maximize the efficacy of the compressions. The goal is to compress the chest at least 5 cm deep at a rate of about 100 compressions per minute, similar to the beat of the song "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees.

While the options you provided are not the recommended procedure according to current CPR guidelines, if we had to choose the best among them, it would be to "Allow the fingers to curve and conform to the patient's chest", as this suggests a safer approach than misplacing the fingers and potentially causing harm.