Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Whether due to cardiac arrest, drowning, or another medical emergency, performing CPR correctly can mean the difference between life and death. The two primary components of effective CPR are chest compressions and rescue breaths. Understanding how to combine these techniques properly ensures the best chances of survival for the victim.
The Importance of Chest Compressions and Rescue Breaths
When the heart stops beating, oxygenated blood is no longer circulating to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart. Chest compressions help maintain blood flow, while rescue breaths provide the oxygen needed to sustain life. Without these interventions, permanent brain damage or death can occur within minutes.
How to Perform Chest Compressions Correctly
Positioning for Effective Chest Compressions
- Place the victim on a firm, flat surface.
- Kneel beside their chest.
- Position your hands correctly: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (between the nipples), then place your other hand on top, interlocking the fingers.
Proper Chest Compression Technique
- Keep your arms straight, and position your shoulders directly over your hands.
- Push down at least 2 inches deep for adults and children and about 1.5 inches for infants.
- Compress at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
- Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
- Minimize interruptions—pause only when necessary.
How to Give Rescue Breaths Effectively
Preparing for Rescue Breaths
- Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.
- Check for normal breathing—if absent, proceed with rescue breaths.
- Ensure a proper seal by pinching the nose shut and covering the victim’s mouth with yours.
Delivering Rescue Breaths
- Give one breath lasting about one second, watching for the chest to rise.
- If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and attempt another breath.
- Deliver a second breath.
- Avoid excessive ventilation, which can cause air to enter the stomach.
Combining Chest Compressions and Rescue Breaths
Standard CPR for Adults
- Perform 30 chest compressions.
- Deliver 2 rescue breaths.
- Continue the cycle of 30:2 until help arrives or the victim regains consciousness.
CPR for Children and Infants
- For children (1 year to puberty): Use one or two hands for compressions and follow a 30:2 ratio. If two rescuers are present, use a 15:2 ratio.
- For infants (under 1 year): Use two fingers for compressions and follow the same compression-to-breath ratio as for children.
Special Considerations When Performing CPR
Hands-Only CPR
For bystanders untrained in rescue breathing, hands-only CPR is recommended. This involves continuous chest compressions at 100–120 per minute without pauses for rescue breaths. It is effective for adult victims of cardiac arrest but less effective in cases involving children, drowning, or drug overdoses.
CPR in Special Situations
- Drowning victims: Provide rescue breaths first before starting compressions.
- Opioid overdoses: Consider administering naloxone if available.
- Pregnant women: Perform compressions slightly higher on the chest and consider manual displacement of the uterus if needed.
Why Proper CPR Training Matters
Knowing the correct way to combine chest compressions and rescue breaths requires proper training and hands-on practice. This ensures confidence and accuracy during real-life emergencies.
Get CPR Certification Tampa and BLS Certification Tampa
If you want to be fully prepared to handle medical emergencies, CPR certification is essential. At CPR Classes Tampa, we offer AHA CPR certification, ensuring you gain the knowledge and skills needed to save lives. Our stress-free, hands-on training sessions cover all aspects of CPR, including the correct combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. Whether you need certification for work or personal knowledge, our courses provide the best CPR training in Tampa.
Take Action Today
Be prepared to respond effectively in an emergency. Sign up for your CPR certification Tampa or BLS certification Tampa today with CPR Classes Tampa—your trusted American Heart Association training site. Gain the skills to save a life!
