Final answer:
Good CPR can provide approximately 30-40% of normal cardiac output, which is critical to maintain blood flow, especially to the brain to prevent damage. Hands are correctly positioned on the sternum between T4 and T9, and the recommended compression rate is 100 compressions per minute.
Step-by-step explanation:
Good cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can provide approximately 30-40% of normal cardiac output. During a CPR procedure, the hands are placed on the sternum between the T4 and T9 vertebrae to manually compress the blood within the heart, pushing it into the pulmonary and systemic circuits. This compression depth and rate, typically at least 5 cm deep and at a rate of 100 compressions per minute, are crucial for maintaining blood flow to the brain and preventing irreversible damage that can occur within minutes of the heart stopping. CPR is an emergency measure to sustain life until the heart begins to beat spontaneously again or until the patient can receive more advanced medical care.