What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing CPR on infants and children?

What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing CPR on infants and children?

• A. 1 Rescuer: 30:2
• B. 2 Rescuers: 30:2
• C. 1 Rescuer: 15:2
• D. 2 Rescuers: 15:2

Answer: (A)

When one person performs CPR on an infant or child, the priority is to keep blood flowing through the body. Doing 30 chest compressions in a row helps maximize perfusion. After those compressions, deliver 2 rescue breaths to oxygenate the blood. This 30:2 cycle strikes a balance between maintaining circulation and providing ventilation, which is why it’s the recommended pattern for a single rescuer. If two rescuers are present, they can share the task—one provides breaths while the other continues compressions—allowing a cycle of 15 compressions before breaths. So for a lone rescuer, the correct pattern is 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, with breaths lasting about 1 second each and producing visible chest rise.

When one person performs CPR on an infant or child, the priority is to keep blood flowing through the body. Doing 30 chest compressions in a row helps maximize perfusion. After those compressions, deliver 2 rescue breaths to oxygenate the blood. This 30:2 cycle strikes a balance between maintaining circulation and providing ventilation, which is why it’s the recommended pattern for a single rescuer. If two rescuers are present, they can share the task—one provides breaths while the other continues compressions—allowing a cycle of 15 compressions before breaths. So for a lone rescuer, the correct pattern is 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, with breaths lasting about 1 second each and producing visible chest rise.