Is Hands-Only™ CPR as effective as conventional CPR?

Any attempt at CPR is better than no attempt. Hands-Only™ CPR performed by a bystander has been shown to be as effective as conventional CPR with mouth-to-mouth breaths in the first few minutes of an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. Conventional CPR may be better than Hands-Only™ CPR for certain victims, such as infants and children, adults who experienced an un-witnessed cardiac arrest, or victims of drowning. For information about upcoming Hands-Only™ CPR classes see our Registration Page. For information about CPR and AED certification, see our Sessions Page.

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1. What is Hands-Only™ CPR?
2. Who should receive Hands-Only™ CPR?
3. Why was Hands-Only™ CPR created?
4. Can you break people's ribs doing CPR?
5. Is there a danger in jumping in and giving CPR without being trained?
6. What should I do if I am getting tired while performing Hands-Only™ CPR?
7. Why don't adults who suddenly collapse need mouth-to-mouth breathing in the first few minutes after their cardiac arrest?
8. What do I do if I find an adult who has collapsed and no one saw it happen?
9. Not all people who suddenly collapse are in cardiac arrest. Will CPR seriously hurt them?
10. Is Hands-Only™ CPR as effective as conventional CPR?
11. Why did the American Heart Association decide to recommend Hands-Only™ CPR for adults you witness suddenly collapse?
12. How does this recommendation differ from the AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC?
13. Is the previous AHA recommendation for bystanders wrong?