How should you position your body when doing chest compressions?

Positioning your body correctly during chest compressions is crucial for effective CPR. Maintaining your shoulders directly over your hands and keeping your arms straight allows for optimal force transfer to the chest. This alignment helps ensure that you can compress the chest adequately and effectively, as it maximizes the downward force and minimizes the risk of injury to both the rescuer and the patient.

Using this proper body mechanics allows for deeper compressions, which are vital in maintaining blood flow to the heart and brain. This technique also helps to maintain a consistent rhythm and prevents you from becoming fatigued too quickly, thereby improving the chances of a successful outcome. The emphasis on keeping your arms straight and aligning your shoulders over your hands is a fundamental aspect of delivering high-quality CPR.