What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio during CPR for an adult?

The recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for an adult is 30:2. This means that for every 30 chest compressions given, two rescue breaths are administered.

This ratio is based on guidelines aimed at optimizing the effectiveness of CPR. The 30:2 ratio ensures that interruptions in compressions are minimized while still providing adequate ventilation to the patient. Continuous chest compressions are crucial because they maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain, during cardiac arrest.

This combination of compressions and ventilations provides a balance between maintaining circulation and delivering oxygen to the lungs, which is essential to improve the likelihood of survival without significant neurological impairment. In adult patients, high-quality compressions with minimal interruptions are emphasized, which is why the 30:2 ratio is currently recommended over other ratios that might prioritize ventilations more heavily.