Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

You should deliver chest compressions to an unconscious adult patient in cardiac arrest by:

1. Pressing firmly on the upper abdomen

2. Compressing the sternum between the nipples

3. Using both hands on the lower ribcage

4. Aligning yourself perpendicular to the patient's torso

The correct answer is: Compressing the sternum between the nipples

Delivering chest compressions to an unconscious adult patient in cardiac arrest involves compressing the sternum between the nipples. This method is critical for effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) because it allows for optimal mechanics in generating blood flow during compressions. The sternum acts as a stable surface for applying force, and compressing it correctly allows for adequate depth and recoil, which are essential to maintaining blood flow to vital organs. The placement of the hands is designed to ensure that compressions are delivered in the center of the chest, which maximizes efficiency and minimizes the risk of injury to other anatomical structures. Additionally, compressing between the nipples helps target the heart directly, ensuring that the compressions exert direct pressure on the cardiac tissue, promoting the crucial pumping action needed during a cardiac arrest situation. While other options may suggest different locations or techniques for delivering compressions, they do not align with the established protocols for effective CPR. Understanding the correct technique emphasizes the importance of proper hand placement and body mechanics in lifesaving scenarios.