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once you shout for help, what are the next steps for providing hands-only cpr?

Once you shout for help and have someone calling 911, the next steps for hands-only CPR are to start firm, fast chest compressions in the center of the chest and keep going until help or an AED arrives.

Position and hand placement

  • Make sure the person is on their back on a firm, flat surface.
  • Kneel beside their chest so your shoulders are directly over the breastbone in the center of the chest.
  • Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, then put your other hand on top and interlock your fingers, keeping them off the ribs.

Body posture and compression depth

  • Keep your arms straight and lock your elbows so your upper body weight drives the compressions.
  • Push straight down at least 2 inches on an adult’s chest, allowing the chest to fully rise back up after each push.
  • Try not to lean on the chest between compressions so the heart can refill with blood.

Rate and rhythm

  • Aim for 100–120 compressions per minute, which feels like a very fast, steady rhythm.
  • Do not pause unless the person shows clear signs of life or an AED is ready to use.
  • If another trained person is available, you can switch every 2 minutes to avoid getting too tired and keep compressions strong.

When to stop or change

  • Continue hands-only CPR until emergency medical services take over, an AED prompts you to stop, or the person starts breathing normally and moving.
  • If an AED arrives, turn it on immediately, follow the voice prompts, deliver a shock if advised, and resume compressions right after.
  • If the situation involves drowning, overdose, or a child, conventional CPR with rescue breaths is often recommended instead of hands-only alone.

TL;DR: After you shout for help and ensure 911 is being called, put the person flat on their back, place your hands in the center of the chest, and push hard and fast (100–120 per minute, at least 2 inches deep) without stopping until help or an AED takes over.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.