When performing CPR on an adult, what is the recommended ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths?

The recommended ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths for adult CPR is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. This ratio is designed to maximize the effectiveness of CPR by allowing for a higher frequency of compressions, which are crucial for maintaining blood circulation during a cardiac arrest.

Chest compressions help to pump blood through the heart and into the rest of the body, delivering oxygen to vital organs and tissues. The interspersed rescue breaths serve to provide oxygen to the lungs, which is essential for the return of spontaneous circulation. The 30:2 ratio has been established based on guidelines that emphasize a balance between compressions and breaths, ensuring that the compressions remain the priority, as they are vital for maintaining blood flow.

The other options, such as 15 compressions to 2 breaths or 20 compressions to 1 breath, do not align with the current guidelines that stress a higher number of compressions per breath to enhance survival outcomes during cardiac arrest situations. The correct practice allows responders to deliver high-quality CPR that meets the physiological needs of a person in cardiac arrest.