CPR device with pivoting support arm

A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (“CPR”) device comprising a chest compression mechanism configured to deliver CPR chest compressions to a patient, the chest compression mechanism comprising a rigid support arm configured to pivot about a reference line that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the patient and on a front side of the patient between the patient's sternum and the patient's chin to deliver the CPR chest compressions, and the chest compression mechanism further comprising a rotational actuator directly coupled to the support arm, the rotational actuator configured to act on the support arm at a location where the support arm intersects the reference line and cause the support arm to pivot about the reference line to deliver the CPR chest compressions.