If you are the sole provider performing CPR on a child, how many chest compressions should you deliver?

When performing CPR on a child as the sole provider, the current guidelines recommend delivering 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This ratio ensures that there is a sufficient amount of blood circulation generated by the compressions while also providing necessary oxygenation through the rescue breaths.

The rationale behind delivering 30 compressions is based on the need to maintain blood flow effectively during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The cycle of compressions followed by rescue breaths aims to provide a balance between circulation and oxygen delivery, optimizing the chances of resuscitation. This approach is particularly important for children, as their physiology may require attention to both heart and lung function in the event of a cardiac arrest. The specific ratio of 30:2 has been established to promote effective CPR outcomes in pediatric patients, maintaining a focus on the need for immediate and continued support until emergency medical services arrive.