What is the recommended ratio for rescue breaths to chest compressions in CPR for children?

In pediatric CPR, the recommended ratio for rescue breaths to chest compressions is 30:2 when delivering high-quality CPR to children. This ratio balances the need for effective chest compressions with the necessary ventilations to provide oxygen to the child’s body.

Administering chest compressions is critical because it helps maintain blood flow to vital organs, while rescue breaths are essential for delivering oxygen to the lungs. The 30:2 ratio aligns with guidelines to ensure that both compressions and breaths are provided at a pace that maximizes the chances of survival and recovery for the child in cardiac arrest situations. In scenarios involving two rescuers, the ratio changes to 15:2 to accommodate the increased need for ventilations, highlighting the importance of teamwork and effective communication during such emergencies.

Other ratios listed, such as 30:1 and 10:1, do not conform to current guidelines and would not provide the appropriate balance of compressions to breaths necessary for effective resuscitation.