In infant CPR with one rescuer, how many chest compressions precede the breaths?

In infant CPR with one rescuer, how many chest compressions precede the breaths?

• A. 30 compressions to 2 breaths
• B. 15 compressions to 2 breaths
• C. 20 compressions to 2 breaths
• D. 10 compressions to 2 breaths

Answer: (A)

In infant CPR with one rescuer, the cycle is 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. This approach prioritizes chest compressions to maintain blood flow to the heart and brain, since perfusion is essential for survival. Because there’s only one rescuer, you can’t alternate as efficiently for ventilation, so delivering more compressions before breaths helps keep circulation strong while still providing needed oxygen with two breaths after every 30 compressions. When performing the compressions, aim for a rate of about 100–120 per minute and a depth of about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in infants, allowing complete chest recoil between compressions. After 30 compressions, open the airway and give two breaths, each lasting about one second, watching for the chest to rise. In infants, use two fingers for compressions (or encircling hands if appropriate) and compress about one-third of the chest. The 30:2 pattern is the standard for a single rescuer; the 15:2 pattern is used when there are two rescuers, which is why the other ratios don’t fit this scenario.

In infant CPR with one rescuer, the cycle is 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. This approach prioritizes chest compressions to maintain blood flow to the heart and brain, since perfusion is essential for survival. Because there’s only one rescuer, you can’t alternate as efficiently for ventilation, so delivering more compressions before breaths helps keep circulation strong while still providing needed oxygen with two breaths after every 30 compressions.

When performing the compressions, aim for a rate of about 100–120 per minute and a depth of about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in infants, allowing complete chest recoil between compressions. After 30 compressions, open the airway and give two breaths, each lasting about one second, watching for the chest to rise. In infants, use two fingers for compressions (or encircling hands if appropriate) and compress about one-third of the chest.

The 30:2 pattern is the standard for a single rescuer; the 15:2 pattern is used when there are two rescuers, which is why the other ratios don’t fit this scenario.