What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR without an advanced airway?

In adult CPR without an advanced airway, the compression-to-ventilation ratio is set at 30:2. This means that for every 30 chest compressions delivered, the rescuer should provide 2 rescue breaths. This ratio is designed to ensure that sufficient blood is circulated to vital organs, while also allowing for effective ventilation of the lungs.

The 30:2 ratio is especially important because it balances the need for a high number of compressions to maintain blood flow with the necessary breaths to provide oxygenation. During adult resuscitation, the focus is primarily on high-quality chest compressions, as they are critical for maintaining circulation. Delivering 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths optimizes the chances of a successful outcome during a cardiac arrest situation.

In practical terms, maintaining this ratio aids both laypersons and health care providers in remembering how to effectively administer CPR in emergency situations. By structuring the approach in this way, it simplifies the process and allows for a systematic response when time is of the essence.