In single-rescuer adult CPR, what is the recommended ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths?

In single-rescuer adult CPR, what is the recommended ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths?

• A. 30:2
• B. 15:1
• C. 1:1
• D. 2:1

Answer: (B)

In single-rescuer adult CPR, the focus is on keeping blood flowing while providing enough oxygen to the lungs. The most effective balance is to deliver chest compressions first to generate perfusion, then pause briefly to deliver rescue breaths without letting the blood flow drop too long. The recommended rhythm is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, repeated in cycles. This pattern keeps perfusion high—crucial for delivering oxygen to the brain and heart—while still providing a quick opportunity to re-oxygenate the lungs. Aim for about 100–120 compressions per minute, so one cycle of 30 compressions takes around 15 seconds, with the 2 breaths taking about 5 seconds. If an advanced airway is in place, the approach shifts to continuous compressions with a breath every 6 seconds, but for basic single-rescuer CPR, 30:2 is the standard. Ratios with fewer compressions per cycle or with more breaths per cycle interrupt blood flow more often or reduce the overall perfusion, making them less effective in this setting.

In single-rescuer adult CPR, the focus is on keeping blood flowing while providing enough oxygen to the lungs. The most effective balance is to deliver chest compressions first to generate perfusion, then pause briefly to deliver rescue breaths without letting the blood flow drop too long. The recommended rhythm is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, repeated in cycles. This pattern keeps perfusion high—crucial for delivering oxygen to the brain and heart—while still providing a quick opportunity to re-oxygenate the lungs. Aim for about 100–120 compressions per minute, so one cycle of 30 compressions takes around 15 seconds, with the 2 breaths taking about 5 seconds. If an advanced airway is in place, the approach shifts to continuous compressions with a breath every 6 seconds, but for basic single-rescuer CPR, 30:2 is the standard. Ratios with fewer compressions per cycle or with more breaths per cycle interrupt blood flow more often or reduce the overall perfusion, making them less effective in this setting.