How many compressions should be performed per minute in BLS?

In Basic Life Support (BLS), the recommended rate for chest compressions is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This range is crucial because research has shown that delivering compressions at this rate maximizes the chances of maintaining adequate blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest.

Compressions that are performed too slowly can lead to insufficient circulation, which is critical when attempting to restore natural rhythm and function to the heart. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of high-quality compressions, which should be deep and allow for full chest recoil after each compression. This ensures that blood can adequately fill the heart between compressions, supporting effective perfusion during resuscitation efforts. Maintaining this appropriate compression rate is therefore essential to improving outcomes for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.