What is the compression-ventilation ratio for two rescuers performing CPR on an adult?

What is the compression-ventilation ratio for two rescuers performing CPR on an adult?

• A. 18:2
• B. 20:2
• C. 15:2
• D. 25:2

Answer: (C)

When two rescuers work together on an adult, the CPR cadence is 15 compressions followed by 2 breaths. This arrangement lets the person giving breaths do so without stopping the chest compressions for too long, because the other rescuer keeps the heart and circulation going. The first rescuer delivers 15 quick compressions, then the second rescuer provides 2 breaths, and they switch roles to keep chest compressions continuous while breaths are delivered efficiently. This balance—more frequent ventilations than a single rescuer would typically provide after 30 compressions—helps maintain perfusion while ensuring oxygen is being delivered. Other ratios would either require longer pauses to deliver breaths or would reduce the number of breaths in a cycle, which can compromise oxygen delivery and perfusion. The 15:2 approach is the standard two-rescuer adult CPR cadence, paired with a compression rate of about 100–120 per minute.

When two rescuers work together on an adult, the CPR cadence is 15 compressions followed by 2 breaths. This arrangement lets the person giving breaths do so without stopping the chest compressions for too long, because the other rescuer keeps the heart and circulation going. The first rescuer delivers 15 quick compressions, then the second rescuer provides 2 breaths, and they switch roles to keep chest compressions continuous while breaths are delivered efficiently. This balance—more frequent ventilations than a single rescuer would typically provide after 30 compressions—helps maintain perfusion while ensuring oxygen is being delivered.

Other ratios would either require longer pauses to deliver breaths or would reduce the number of breaths in a cycle, which can compromise oxygen delivery and perfusion. The 15:2 approach is the standard two-rescuer adult CPR cadence, paired with a compression rate of about 100–120 per minute.