Chest compressions should be performed on a patient at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This rate is recommended for all ages during CPR to optimize survival rates and maintain effective circulation.
Key Details on Chest Compression Rate and Technique
- The recommended compression rate is 100 to 120 compressions per minute, which is nearly 2 compressions per second.
- This rate helps maintain blood flow to vital organs such as the brain and heart during cardiac arrest.
- Compressions should be delivered with sufficient depth (at least 2 inches or about 5 cm in adults) and full recoil between compressions.
- Interruptions to compressions should be minimized to maximize the effectiveness of CPR.
- After 30 compressions, rescuers typically give 2 rescue breaths if trained, then resume compressions.
- Changing rescuers every 2 minutes is advised to prevent fatigue and maintain quality of compressions.
These guidelines are consistent across major resuscitation authorities including the American Heart Association and other international CPR guidelines.
