Hands-only CPR is applying pressure on the chest of the victim to help keep the heart pumping and blood circulating. There is no more need to have any mouth-to-mouth contact, one of the main reasons many refuse to perform CPR. Understandably, one can get life-threatening diseases from exchange of body fluids, like AIDS or other communicable diseases.
The American Red Cross is releasing a short, half-hour video on how to learn this hand-only CPR technique. This video is simple, easy to follow, and free. You can also get a quicker two-minute instructional by visiting the agency's website. You may not have actual practice, but knowing the basics will help you in an emergency. It is important to remember the basic pointers: removing sharp objects, like necklaces, and knowing when to stop applying pressure.
Hands-only CPR has its limitations, and the mouth-to mouth covers these limitations. For example, you cannot give a baby hands-only CPR because of the delicate nature of an infant's bone structure. Thus, in some cases, hands-only CPR will not be possible.
A person may collapse at any time from cardiac arrest or respiratory problems, and it sometimes occurs far from any medical facility. If there is a citizen around familiar with the hands-only CPR, he can step in and administer it while waiting for medical help. This will save lives because if the stricken person is left alone, the chances of death increases exponentially with every second that passes.