What is the compression to ventilation ratio for 1 rescuer during pediatric CPR?

In one-rescuer pediatric CPR, the recommended compression to ventilation ratio is 30:2. This approach is critical because it effectively balances the need for adequate blood circulation through chest compressions with the need for providing oxygen to the victim through rescue breaths.

The 30:2 ratio means that after every 30 chest compressions, which are performed at a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute, the rescuer should provide 2 rescue breaths. This pattern helps ensure that the child receives both the chest compressions necessary to maintain blood flow and the ventilations needed to deliver oxygen to their lungs, especially in cases of respiratory distress or cardiac arrest.

This specific ratio is designed to optimize the outcomes during CPR, particularly in a scenario involving children, who may have different physiological responses compared to adults. Adjusting the ratio for different ages and the number of rescuers is critical to providing the most effective care.