Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the distribution and risk from hand positions applied at the center of the chest (CoC) versus the inter-nipple line (INL) during external chest compression by novice rescuers. Methods: This simulation study included 105 participants. The participants were given photographs of the unexposed male chest and asked to mark a cross at the center of the chest and at the midpoint of the inter-nipple line. The range of contact with the chest was estimated by measuring the participants` palm width. The median and distribution of the two points were then compared and analyzed to determine whether the range in contact with the chest involved the xiphoid process. Results: The level of the INL was approximately 0.8 cm higher at the sternum than the CoC (p<0.001), while the standard deviation of the CoC [1.8(0.6-3.8)] was higher than that of the INL [1.2(0.4-2.4)] (p<0.001). There were more cases in which the palm range involved the xiphoid process in the CoC group [15(14.3%)] than the INL group [1(0.9%)] (p<0.001). Conclusion: For male adult patients, chest compression at the level of the INL by novice rescuers is safer and more intensive than compression at the level of the CoC.