If you are a single provider administering CPR, how many chest compressions should you perform?

When performing CPR as a single provider, the correct number of chest compressions to administer is 30. This guideline is based on current resuscitation protocols that emphasize the importance of high-quality chest compressions in maintaining blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest.

30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths is part of the widely accepted compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult and child resuscitation when performed by a single rescuer. This ratio allows for effective circulation and ventilation while minimizing interruptions, which is crucial since lengthy pauses can significantly decrease the chances of survival.

The focus on 30 compressions helps to ensure that compressions are performed efficiently and without excessive delay, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of CPR. The other options provided either suggest a number that is too low or excessively high, leading to potential interruptions in the vital compressions that are necessary for sustaining life until advanced care can take over.