By Nathan Fligelman

As part of its diverse preparedness programming, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to learn hands-only CPR class – designed to empower those without official CPR certification to step in and help someone who is experiencing a cardiac emergency. By completing this 30-minute program, participants can increase someone’s chance of survival before medical professionals arrive.

These are the key steps in protecting and aiding a person experiencing a cardiac emergency:

• Have someone call 9-1-1 and locate an AED.
• Position the person onto their back on a hard, flat surface.
• Kneel beside the person. Your knees should be near the person’s body and spread about shoulder-width apart.
• Employ proper hand positioning. Place the heel of one hand in the center of their chest, with your other hand on top. Interlace your fingers and make sure they are up off the chest.
• Position your body correctly. Your shoulders should be directly over your hands. Lock your elbows to keep your arms straight.
• Give chest compressions. Push hard, fast and continuously – at least 2 inches, 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the person’s chest to return to its normal position after each compression.
• Use an AED as soon as it’s available.

In Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Hands-Only CPR class is available to schools and organizations free of charge. Those interested in bringing the program to their site should email ryan.gaul@redcross.org. There’s also lots of great material on our website, including the video (posted above). If you’re interested in obtaining full CPR/AED certification, visit our Training Services webpage.

Learning CPR is recommended for everyone, as such a practice can help save lives in the case of an emergency. The process of learning these skills is both highly informational and extremely rewarding!