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CLEVELAND CLINIC -- The traditional method of CPR combines chest compression with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Yet, studies now show that compressions-only or "hands-only" CPR is as effective as the traditional method of saving a life.

According to the American Red Cross, one quarter of Americans say they've been in a situation where someone needed CPR. So what should you keep in mind when someone collapses in front of you?

Dr. Tom Tallman, an emergency room physician at the Cleveland Clinic, says it is extremely critical, after calling 9-1-1, to start compressions to keep blood flowing to the heart. "You can push pretty hard and push fast, right across the middle of the sternum," says Dr. Tallman.  "You're aiming at that spot because that's the most likely area that's going to compress the heart and create a circulation that's not there.

Bystanders may worry about doing something wrong when someone collapses, but Dr. Tallman says getting involved and starting compression can only make the situation better - not worse.

Mandy Zajac, Health & Saftey Services Manager with the Greater Toledo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, says that while the organization supports the use of hands-only technique, full CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths is still best for many people, including children, adolescents, drowning victims, or people who collapse due to breathing problems.

If you are called upon to administer CPR, Dr. Tallman says 100 compressions every minute is ideal. The only time mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is critical is when a baby or child is involved. "It's still a pediatric patient that is most at risk for a cardiac event that is directly related to a respiratory arrest. So, a lot of times that's where you still have to have skills, look for a foreign body, and be able to provide mouth to mouth or mouth to mask ventilations."

"Recent research shows that if more people learned hands-only CPR, we could increase the likelihood of surviving cardiac emergencies that occur outside a hospital by putting more victims within a few steps of lifesaving assistance," says Zajac. "In an emergency, the best way for an untrained bystander to help is by calling 9-1-1; if they've seen someone suddenly collapse and the person is unconscious, using hands-only CPR."

In Toledo, the American Red Cross offers monthly trainings in hands-only or Citizen CPR the first Wednesday of each month. Learn more about Red Cross' hands-only CPR training.   

Are you trained in hands-only CPR? Would you know what to do if someone collapsed in front of you? Does your workplace offer lifesaving techniques  such as CPR and AED training? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or let us know on our Facebook page.