CPR Ratio Chart and Key Numbers

SureFire CPR Ratio Chart and Key Numbers

When learning how to perform CPR, there are a lot of important numbers to keep in mind. From the rescue breathing rate for child patients to the CPR compression rate for adults, it’s essential to know the correct metrics.

SureFire CPR Ratio Chart

We’ve gathered up key statistics on CPR ratio and CPR rate for adults, children, and infants into this handy downloadable guide. These numbers are based on the latest information available from the American Heart Association as of November 2021.

Compression / Ventilation Ratio (without advanced airway)

Adult

1 or 2 rescuers – 30:2

Child/Infant

1 rescuer – 30:2
2 or more rescuers – 15:2
(For Healthcare Providers)

Compression / Ventilation Ratio (with advanced airway)

Adult/Child/Infant

Deliver continuous compressions at 100-120 per minute
Deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds

Compression Rate

Adult/Child/Infant

100-120 compressions per minute

Compression Depth

Adult

At least 2 inches

Child

At least one-third of the chest diameter or about 2 inches

Infant

At least one-third of the chest diameter or about 1.25 inches

Hand Placement

Adult

Place 2 hands on the patient’s chest (at the sternum)

Child

Place 2 hands on the patient’s chest at the sternum (If the child is very small, 1 hand might be appropriate)

Infant

1 rescuer:

Place 2 fingers in the center of the patient’s chest

2+ rescuers:

Place hands around the patient’s chest and use 2 thumbs at the center of the patient’s chest

Rescue Breathing

Adult

1 breath every 6 seconds

Child/Infant

1 breath every 3-5 seconds

Activation of EMS

Adult

Alone with a cell phone: activate EMS, then locate an AED and begin CPR
Alone without a cell phone:
leave the patient to activate EMS, locate an AED and begin CPR

Child/Infant

If you witnessed the collapse, locate an AEDIf you did not witness the collapse, give 2 minutes of CPR first, then locate an AED and activate EMS

Recognition of Cardiac Arrest

Adult/Child/Infant

Check the patient for symptoms of cardiac arrest such as collapse, lack of breathing, no responsiveness, or no pulse found within 10 seconds

Minimizing Interruptions

Adult/Child/Infant

Keep any interruptions in chest compressions under 10 seconds

Key Terms

  • Compression / Ventilation Ratio
    The compression to ventilation ratio refers to the number of chest compressions to ventilation breaths during CPR. This can vary based on the patient’s age; the infant CPR ratio and child CPR ratio is different from the ratio for adults.
  • Advanced airway
    Advanced airway (or advanced airway management) is a practice used by medical professionals to support breathing such as an endotracheal tube, a laryngeal mask airway, or an esophageal-tracheal combitube. It can sometimes take the form of intubation.
  • Compression rate
    The compression rate is the speed at which chest compressions are performed during high-quality CPR.
  • Compression depth
    In order for CPR to be successful, it is important that the rescuer is pressing down far enough into the patient’s chest to mimic the heart pumping blood and restore blood flow. The compression depth refers to the desired depth that rescuers should press down on the patient’s chest.
  • Rescue breathing
    A part of mouth-to-mouth CPR, rescue breathing is the act of blowing air into the patient’s mouth to create artificial breath. It can be performed on its own or in conjunction with chest compressions.

Learn CPR with SureFire CPR

Still curious about compression rates and ventilation ratios? Ready to learn more about the amazing world of CPR? Check out SureFire CPR’s CPR training courses. Whether you’re training to become a medical professional or you’re a civilian who’d like to discover a life-saving skill, getting CPR training is an incredible way to help your community and learn something new.

The expert instructors at SureFire make learning CPR engaging, entertaining, and rewarding. As nurses, EMTs, firefighters are more ourselves, we have plenty of field experience and stories to share. With plenty of class times available at our many locations across Southern California, it’s easy to fit training into your busy schedule. You’ll be glad you did––after all, you never know whose life you may save.

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About the author

Zack-Zarrilli
I spent 15 years as a firefighter and paramedic...

And too often I would arrive on the scene of someone unconscious, surrounded by a circle of people feeling helpless. Sometimes those people would even have CPR training but lacked the confidence and experience to act.

That’s why I started SureFire CPR. Our classes are practical and engaging – teaching you the crucial skills you need to know what to do and feel empowered to take action.

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Zack Zarrilli, Founder

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