Key CPR Numbers and Ratios

Key CPR Numbers and Ratios!

There are a few important numbers to remember when learning CPR. From the rescue breathing rate for infants and children to the CPR compression rate for adults, it’s important to know and understand the correct parameters.

CPR Ratios

There are a few key statistics on CPR ratio and CPR rate for adults, children, and infants that we will highlight. These numbers are based on the latest research from the American Heart Association (AHA) as of November 2021.

COMPRESSION/VENTILATIOn
​ratio without Advanced Airway

Adult:
1 or ​2 rescuers – 30:2

​Child/Infant:
​​1 or 2 rescuer – 30:2
2 or more rescuers – 15:2

COMPRESSION/VENTILATION
​Ratio with advanced airway

Adult/Child/Infant:
​Deliver continuous compressions at 100-120 per minute
Deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds

Compression Rate

Adult/Child/Infant:
​100-120 compressions per minute

Compression Depth

Adult:
At least 2 to 2.4 inches
Child:
At least one-third of the chest diameter or about 2 inches
Infant:
At least one-third of the chest diameter or about 1.5 inches

Hand Placement

Adult:
Place 2 hands on the patient’s chest (at the sternum)
Child:
Place 2 hands on the patient’s chest at the sternum (If the child is very small, 1 hand might be appropriate)
Infant:
1 rescuer:
Place 2 fingers in the center of the patient’s chest
2+ rescuers:
Place hands around the patient’s chest and use 2 thumbs at the center of the patient’s chest

Rescue Breathing

Adult:
1 breath every 6 seconds
Child/Infant:
​1 breath every 3-5 seconds

Call 9-1-1 & Activate the code

Adult:
Alone with a cell phone: activate EMS, then locate an AED and begin CPR
Alone without a cell phone: leave the patient to activate EMS, locate an AED and begin CPR
Child/Infant: 
Was it witnessed?
If you witnessed the collapse, locate an AED
If you did not witness the collapse, give 2 minutes of CPR first, then locate an AED and activate EMS

Minimize Interruptions

Whether adult, infant, or child; keep any interruptions in chest compressions to under 10 seconds.

Learn CPR with Help-A-Heart CPR

Would you like to learn more about compression rates and ventilation ratios? You can view Help-A-Heart CPR's training classes on our training registration portal. Whether you’re training to become a healthcare provider or you’re a laymen rescuer who’d like to discover a life-saving skill, the attainment of a CPR certification is an incredible way to help your community and learn something new.
Our CPR and First Aid instructors at Help-A-Heart CPR make learning CPR both informative and empowering. As nurses, EMTs, and firefighters, Help-A-Heart CPR has extensive experience with many interesting stories to share. With plenty of class times available at locations across Texas and beyond, it’s easy to fit training into your busy schedule. Give us a call today at (210) 380-5344.