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CPR Compression-to-Breath Ratios for Adults, Children, and Infants

Current AHA/ERC guidelines (2020) recommend a universal 30:2 compression‑to‑ventilation ratio for single rescuers of all ages.

PopulationCompressionsRescue BreathsNotes
Adult (≥puberty)302Depth 5–6 cm; rate 100–120/min
Child (1 yr–puberty)302Depth ~5 cm (1/3 AP diameter); 1 or 2 hands
Infant (<1 yr)302Depth 4 cm (1/3 AP); 2‑finger or 2‑thumb encircling

Two‑Rescuer Ratios

  • Adult: 30:2
  • Child/Infant: 15:2

Key Points

  • Minimize interruptions; compress hard and fast.
  • Allow full chest recoil.
  • Use AED as soon as available.
  • If untrained or unwilling to give breaths: Hands‑Only CPR (continuous compressions) for adults.
  • For infants/children with likely asphyxial arrest, breaths are critical.

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