During CPR, where should you place your hands on the chest?

Placing your hands at the center of the chest on the sternum is crucial during CPR because it allows for effective compression of the heart. The sternum is a safe and stable area that enables proper force distribution when performing chest compressions, ensuring maximum blood flow is delivered to vital organs. This position helps maintain a straight alignment of the arms, which is essential for exerting the necessary force to compress the chest adequately.

The technique emphasizes achieving a depth of at least 2 inches for adults, which is most achievable when compressions are focused at the center of the chest. Additionally, this approach minimizes the risk of injury to the ribcage or surrounding organs, making it the most effective and safest position for delivering high-quality CPR. Each compression should be followed by a complete release to allow the chest to fully recoil, which is also more readily accomplished when hands are positioned correctly on the sternum.