An apparatus (1) for providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation by applying compressions to a chest of a patient (P). The apparatus (1) comprising a chest compression unit (10), in particular comprising automatic actuation, at least one band (20) to be passed around the patient's chest for maintaining the chest compression unit (10) in position on the patient's chest. At least one end of the band (20) is releasably connectable to the unit (10) or another band. The apparatus (1) is designed for pushing the band (20) underneath the patient's chest, in particular on the side where the patient contacts the ground (G). The apparatus (1) comprises or is connectable to an application aid (30), in functional connection with the band (20), fixable to or movable relative to the band and adapted to support pushing the band (20) underneath the patient's chest. The application aid is stiffer than the band.
