What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR?

The recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR is 30:2. This guideline is established to maximize the efficiency of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in adults. When performing CPR, the primary goal is to circulate blood and oxygen to vital organs, particularly the heart and brain, until advanced medical help arrives.

By using the 30:2 ratio, rescuers can deliver a sufficient number of compressions within a short time frame, while still providing the necessary rescue breaths to ensure oxygenation. This ratio balances the need for chest compressions—essential for maintaining blood circulation—with the need for ventilations, which introduce necessary oxygen into the bloodstream. The emphasis on a higher number of compressions ensures that blood flow remains as effective as possible, decreasing the time the heart and brain are deprived of oxygen during cardiac arrest scenarios.

In this context, using different numbers in other options would not provide the most effective outcome during CPR. Each emergency situation benefits from adherence to established guidelines, and the 30:2 ratio is vital for promoting the best chance of survival in adult patients undergoing cardiac arrest.