What is the correct ratio of chest compressions to breaths during CPR?

The correct ratio of chest compressions to breaths during CPR for adults is 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. This ratio is essential because it aims to maximize the effectiveness of the compressions, which are crucial for maintaining blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest. The emphasis on a higher number of compressions compared to breaths helps to ensure that the heart is being mechanically compressed efficiently, while also providing sufficient rescue breaths to offer oxygen. This approach has been established as a standard guideline in CPR training to enhance survival rates and improve patient outcomes in emergency situations.

In recent guidelines, using the 30:2 ratio has been found to maintain adequate blood circulation and oxygenation, making it the recommended practice for both trained and untrained bystanders administering CPR. This ratio allows for a balance between chest compressions, which should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, and the breaths, which are delivered to ensure oxygenation of the lungs and brain.