What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer CPR on a child or infant?

What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer CPR on a child or infant?

• A. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations.
• B. 15 compressions to 2 ventilations.
• C. 5 compressions to 1 ventilation
• D. 20 compressions to 2 ventilations

Answer: (B)

In two-rescuer CPR for a child or infant, the recommended pattern is 15 compressions followed by 2 ventilations. This setup takes advantage of having two rescuers: one focuses on delivering high-quality chest compressions, while the other provides breaths, typically with a bag–valve mask or other barrier device. Why this ratio fits pediatrics well: children and especially infants have higher oxygen needs and are more vulnerable to hypoxia. Providing breaths more frequently helps ensure adequate oxygen delivery while circulating blood continues to be moved by compressions. The 15:2 cycle keeps ventilation steps integrated into the CPR process without causing long interruptions in chest compressions, which is crucial for maintaining blood flow. The two-rescuer teamwork makes this balance practical: one rescuer can maintain compressions at a steady rate (about 100–120 per minute) while the other handles ventilation, producing a smooth, coordinated cycle. So, the best answer reflects a 15 compressions to 2 ventilations pattern, used when two rescuers are present for pediatric or infant CPR.

In two-rescuer CPR for a child or infant, the recommended pattern is 15 compressions followed by 2 ventilations. This setup takes advantage of having two rescuers: one focuses on delivering high-quality chest compressions, while the other provides breaths, typically with a bag–valve mask or other barrier device.

Why this ratio fits pediatrics well: children and especially infants have higher oxygen needs and are more vulnerable to hypoxia. Providing breaths more frequently helps ensure adequate oxygen delivery while circulating blood continues to be moved by compressions. The 15:2 cycle keeps ventilation steps integrated into the CPR process without causing long interruptions in chest compressions, which is crucial for maintaining blood flow. The two-rescuer teamwork makes this balance practical: one rescuer can maintain compressions at a steady rate (about 100–120 per minute) while the other handles ventilation, producing a smooth, coordinated cycle.

So, the best answer reflects a 15 compressions to 2 ventilations pattern, used when two rescuers are present for pediatric or infant CPR.