When performing CPR on a small child, where should you place your hands?

When performing CPR on a small child, placing your hands on the lower half of the sternum using one hand is the correct technique. This method is effective because it positions the hands properly on the chest to compress the heart through the sternum, enabling blood flow to vital organs.

Using one hand allows for appropriate force application while also minimizing the risk of causing injury to the child's ribcage, which is more pliable compared to that of an adult. It is essential to apply gentle pressure while maintaining the correct depth of compression, which should be about one-third the depth of the child’s chest, to ensure effective CPR.

This technique achieves both effectiveness in compressions and safety, making it the preferred approach for children.