What is the recommended compression to ventilation ratio in adult CPR?

The recommended compression to ventilation ratio in adult CPR is 30:2. This ratio is critical because it has been shown to optimize the chances of survival and improve outcomes for victims of cardiac arrest. In adult CPR, performing 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths allows the responder to maintain a high-quality chest compression rate, which is essential for maintaining blood flow to vital organs, especially the heart and brain.

During CPR, continuous chest compressions help to circulate blood, while the rescue breaths provide necessary oxygenation. The 30:2 ratio is designed to balance the need for compressions—conducted at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute—with effective ventilation, ensuring that the rescuer can deliver breaths efficiently without significantly disrupting the compression rhythm.

Other ratios, like 15:1, 5:1, or 1:1, are not recommended for adult CPR, as they could lead to inadequate chest compressions or ineffective ventilation, both of which can compromise the outcome in an emergency situation. The 30:2 ratio has been established as standard practice in guidelines for aiding adult patients during a cardiac arrest.