CPR Ratio: Breaths to Compressions for Adults & Children - American Heart Association Guidelines

The number of breaths to compressions you give during CPR depends on the type of CPR you are performing.

Adult CPR: For adults, the recommended ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. This means that you should give 30 chest compressions, then stop and give 2 rescue breaths. Continue this cycle until help arrives or the person starts breathing.

Child CPR: For children, the recommended ratio is 15 compressions to 2 breaths. This means that you should give 15 chest compressions, then stop and give 2 rescue breaths. Continue this cycle until help arrives or the child starts breathing.

Infant CPR: For infants, the recommended ratio is 5 compressions to 1 breath. This means that you should give 5 chest compressions, then stop and give 1 rescue breath. Continue this cycle until help arrives or the infant starts breathing.

Hands-Only CPR: If you are unable to give rescue breaths, you can perform Hands-Only CPR. This involves giving chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. Continue giving compressions until help arrives or the person starts breathing.