What should be the ratio of compressions to breaths in CPR for children?

The correct compression to breath ratio for CPR when performing on children is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. This ratio is established to optimize the effectiveness of chest compressions while ensuring that oxygen is still being provided to the child.

When delivering CPR, the primary focus is on maintaining circulation through adequate compressions. The 30 to 2 ratio is a balance that allows for a sufficient number of compressions (30) to circulate blood while also providing the necessary breaths (2) to oxygenate the blood. This approach aligns with recommendations from organizations such as the American Heart Association.

The other ratios listed do not follow the current CPR guidelines for children. For example, a 15 to 2 ratio is used for two-rescuer infant CPR instead of for a child. A 20 to 1 ratio does not provide enough compressions to maintain effective circulation, and a 40 to 1 ratio is not practical, as it would lead to inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery. Thus, the 30 to 2 ratio is critical for effective CPR in children.