Heart Attack Victim?
New Hands only CPR guidelines for heart attack bystanders

Unfortunately, less than 1/3 of those people who experience a cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location get that help. Most bystanders are worried that they might do something wrong or make things worse. That’s why the AHA has simplified things.

When an adult suddenly collapses, trained or untrained bystanders – that means a person near the victim – should:

1. Call 911
2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

Providing Hands-Only CPR to an adult who has collapsed from a sudden cardiac arrest can more than double that person’s chance of survival.

Don’t be afraid. Your actions can only help.

It’s not normal to see an adult suddenly collapse, but if you do, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

Don’t be afraid. Your actions can only help.

Note that the AHA still recommends that you learn conventional CPR that includes mouth-to-mouth breathing. There are many medical emergencies that cause a person to be unresponsive and to stop breathing normally.

In those emergencies, CPR that includes mouth-to-mouth breathing may provide more benefit than Hands-Only CPR. Some examples include:

• Unresponsive infants and children
• Adult victims who are found already unconscious and not breathing normally
• Victims of drowning or collapse due to breathing problems

But remember: When an adult suddenly collapses, trained or untrained bystanders – that means a person near the victim – should:

1. Call 911
2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

Providing Hands-Only CPR to an adult who has collapsed from a sudden cardiac arrest can more than double that person’s chance of survival.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hands Only CPR

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