How should you position your hands while giving chest compressions?

The proper technique for delivering chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) emphasizes the importance of positioning your hands correctly to ensure effective compressions. Placing both hands in the center of the chest and interlocking them allows for maximum strength and stability when applying the necessary force to compress the sternum. This positioning targets the heart directly, enabling blood to be effectively pumped to vital organs during cardiac arrest.

This method also promotes a straight line of force, which is crucial for delivering high-quality compressions. By interlocking the hands, the rescuer can maintain proper hand placement and reduce the risk of slipping, particularly when exerting significant pressure. Effective compressions are vital, as they can significantly increase the chances of survival for the victim.

In contrast, the other choices suggest hand placements that would either be ineffective or inappropriate for providing adequate chest compressions. Proper hand placement is critical to ensure the effectiveness of CPR, emphasizing the need for correct technique as taught in BLS training.