Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What is the recommended compression to ventilation ratio for child CPR?

1. 15:2

2. 30:2

3. 10:1

4. 5:1

The correct answer is: 30:2

The recommended compression to ventilation ratio for child CPR is 30:2. This ratio is critical because it ensures that the child receives sufficient chest compressions, which are vital for maintaining blood circulation during cardiac arrest, while also providing effective ventilations to deliver oxygen. In a child, the heart is generally more tolerant to interruptions in blood flow compared to adults, but for effective resuscitation, the compression rate remains crucial. The 30:2 ratio strikes a balance between the need for adequate blood flow and oxygenation. Performing 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths allows those administering CPR to maintain adequate circulation while also addressing the child's need for oxygen. Using this ratio maximizes the chances of survival and recovery for the child in cardiac arrest situations. During the 30 compressions, it's also important to push down hard and fast, following the guidelines that emphasize quality over quantity.