What is the compression-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing adult CPR?

What is the compression-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing adult CPR?

• A. 20:2
• B. 30:2
• C. 15:2
• D. 40:2

Answer: (B)

The main idea is balancing blood flow with oxygenation during CPR. For a single rescuer doing adult CPR, you should perform 30 chest compressions, then give 2 rescue breaths, in a repeating cycle. This 30:2 pattern keeps chest compressions frequent and uninterrupted enough to maintain perfusion, while still providing essential ventilation without long delays between compressions. If two rescuers are present, the ratio changes to 15:2 because one rescuer can ventilate while the other continues compressions, reducing fatigue and maintaining a high compression rate. The other options don’t fit: 20:2 would slow compressions and reduce perfusion; 15:2 is a two-rescuer standard; 40:2 would interrupt compressions too long with excessive ventilation. So for a single rescuer with adult CPR, the correct ratio is 30:2.

The main idea is balancing blood flow with oxygenation during CPR. For a single rescuer doing adult CPR, you should perform 30 chest compressions, then give 2 rescue breaths, in a repeating cycle. This 30:2 pattern keeps chest compressions frequent and uninterrupted enough to maintain perfusion, while still providing essential ventilation without long delays between compressions. If two rescuers are present, the ratio changes to 15:2 because one rescuer can ventilate while the other continues compressions, reducing fatigue and maintaining a high compression rate. The other options don’t fit: 20:2 would slow compressions and reduce perfusion; 15:2 is a two-rescuer standard; 40:2 would interrupt compressions too long with excessive ventilation. So for a single rescuer with adult CPR, the correct ratio is 30:2.