What chest compression fraction (CCF) percentage is considered optimal for resuscitation?

The optimal chest compression fraction (CCF) percentage for resuscitation is generally considered to be 80% or higher. A CCF of 80% means that during a resuscitation attempt, at least 80% of the time is spent delivering compressions, which is critical for maintaining adequate blood flow to the heart and brain.

High-quality chest compressions, which include both depth and rate, are essential to increase the likelihood of a successful return of spontaneous circulation. A higher CCF allows for less interruption in compressions, thus sustaining better perfusion pressure during cardiac arrest situations. This level of effectiveness is why guidelines emphasize striving for a compression fraction of 80% or above during advanced life support efforts.

In contrast, lower percentages like 35%, 60%, or even 90% may indicate either insufficient quality of CPR or excessive interruptions in compressions, both of which can adversely affect patient outcomes. Therefore, maintaining a high CCF is crucial in increasing the chances of survival during cardiac emergencies.