How should chest compressions be performed on an adult?

Chest compressions for adults should be performed using both hands interlocked. This technique ensures that enough power and force can be delivered to the chest, which is crucial for effectively circulating blood and oxygen to vital organs during cardiac arrest. By placing one hand on top of the other, the rescuer can utilize their body weight to generate the necessary depth and rhythm for compressions, optimizing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Using both hands allows for a more stable and controlled compression, which is important since adult chests are larger and require more force than those of children or infants. The recommended depth for effective compressions is about 2 to 2.4 inches, and the interlocked hand position helps maintain consistent pressure without tiring quickly.

In contrast, using only one hand, fingertips, or just the heel of one hand does not provide the same level of effectiveness. These methods would likely result in insufficient depth and potentially ineffective compressions that could hinder blood flow during a critical emergency situation. Thus, the interlocked technique is the most efficient and recommended approach for adult chest compressions.