When performing CPR on an adult, what should be the ratio of compressions to breaths?

Prepare for the Canadian Red Cross BLS Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The recommended ratio of compressions to breaths when performing CPR on an adult is 30:2. This means that for every 30 chest compressions delivered, you should provide 2 rescue breaths. This ratio strikes a balance between maintaining adequate blood circulation through compressions and providing sufficient oxygenation through breaths.

Compression provides critical blood flow to vital organs, while rescue breaths help ensure that oxygen is available to circulate to the body. The 30:2 ratio is designed to maximize the effectiveness of CPR until advanced medical help arrives or the person recovers.

In cases where CPR is being administered by a lone rescuer, this ratio can be particularly crucial as it allows for a rhythm that is easier to maintain under the stress of a real-life emergency situation. The efficiency of this compression to breath ratio has been backed by guidelines from recognized health organizations and is essential knowledge for anyone trained in BLS.

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