What is the appropriate hand position to minimize injuries during CPR?

The appropriate hand position during CPR is vital for ensuring effective chest compressions and minimizing injuries to both the rescuer and the patient. The correct method involves placing one hand on top of the other and interlocking them over the lower sternum. This position allows for greater stability and force during compressions. By interlocking the fingers, it helps to distribute the pressure more evenly across the chest, which can aid in generating the necessary depth and rate of compressions while reducing the risk of slipping or misalignment.

Aligning the hands over the lower sternum ensures that the compressions are delivered to the area that is best at mechanically pumping blood throughout the body. This technique also helps to prevent excessive force from being applied to the ribs or the diaphragm, which could lead to fractures or other injuries.

In contrast, the other options do not provide the same level of effectiveness or safety. For example, palms placed side by side on the chest might not allow the rescuer to exert enough downward force, and hands directly over the heart may not target the optimal area for compressions. Additionally, spreading fingers apart across the chest could lead to ineffective compressions and potential harm to the chest wall structures. Therefore, the interlocking hand position is the most effective and