BLS Certification Manual: Compressions for Adults
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Recognizing Cardiac Arrest
- 3. Positioning & Pulse Check
- 4. Compressions for Adults
- 5. Compressions for Infants & Children
- 6. Ventilation Equipment
- 7. Ventilations for Adults
- 8. Ventilations for Infants & Children
- 9. AED Usage
- 10. AED Special Circumstances
- 11. Choking
- 12. Choking Procedures for Adults & Children
- 13. Choking Procedures for Infants
- 14. Team Roles
- 15. Effective Team Dynamics
- 16. Common Mistakes
- 17. Conclusion
- MyCPR Now™ Glossary
Compressions for Adults
High-quality chest compressions help circulate blood during cardiac arrest.
Hand Placement
- Position the person on their back on a firm surface
- Kneel beside the chest
- Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest on the lower half of the breastbone
- Place the second hand on top
- Keep your fingers off the ribs when practical
- Position your shoulders directly over your hands
Compression Rate
Compress at:
100-120 compressions per minute
Compression Depth
For an adult:
- Compress at least 2 inches (5 cm)
- Avoid excessive compression depth greater than approximately 2.4 inches (6 cm)
Complete Recoil
Allow the chest to return completely after each compression. Avoid leaning on the chest between compressions.
Minimize Interruptions
Interrupt compressions only when necessary for:
- Ventilation
- Rhythm analysis
- Defibrillation
- Switching compressors
- Other immediately necessary interventions
Keep pauses as short as possible.
Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio
Without an advanced airway:
30 compressions : 2 breaths
This ratio is used for one-rescuer and two-rescuer adult CPR.
Switching Compressors
When multiple trained responders are present, switch the person performing compressions approximately every 2 minutes or sooner if fatigued. Coordinate the switch so interruption of compressions is minimal. At 100-120 compressions per minute with a 30:2 ratio, one cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths takes approximately 20-24 seconds — switching approximately every 2 minutes corresponds to roughly every 5 cycles.