CPR, First Aid, BLS, ACLS, PALS certifications.
The essential component of effective CPR is the compression-to-ventilation ratio, which varies based on the patient's age and specific circumstances.
Perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
Use two fingers for gentle compressions.
One rescuer does compressions while the other gives breaths.
Alternate 15 compressions with 2 breaths.
Adjust hand placement & compression force for pregnant individuals, the elderly, or those with specific medical conditions. If unable to provide rescue breaths, focus on hands-on CPR (continuous chest compressions).
The CPR ratio for adults is the number of rescue breaths and chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This includes providing chest compressions at the correct rate and depth. Let us take a look at the ventilation ratio:
Compression to Ventilation Ratio
The compression-to ventilation ratio is the number of chest compressions followed by the number of breaths given during CPR. The correct ratio for adults is 30:2, meaning 30 chest compressions are followed by 2 rescue breaths. This maintains a steady rhythm in the heart.
Rate of Compressions
The correct rate of CPR compression for adults is 100–120 compressions every minute. This rate refers to how fast chest compressions are given. For instance, 100 compressions per minute means giving 100 compressions within a minute if no ventilation is required.
Depth of Compressions
For adults, the compression depth should be 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6 cm), with a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. This depth means how far the victim’s chest is pressed down with each compression. It's crucial to allow the chest to recoil between every compression fully.
Rescue Breathing for Adults
Rescue breathing is the number of breaths administered per minute. For adults, this should be 10–12 breaths per minute. Each breath should last one second and be enough to make the chest rise. When using a bag valve mask (BVM), deliver 500 ml of air with each breath. For an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), you can alternate between 34 shocks along with performing CPR for one minute.
