NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamCardiology & ResuscitationEasy

An EMT is performing CPR on an adult patient in cardiac arrest. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?

  1. A5 compressions to 1 ventilation.
  2. B30 compressions to 5 ventilations.
  3. C15 compressions to 2 ventilations.
  4. D30 compressions to 2 ventilations.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations.

For a single rescuer performing CPR on an adult, the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30 compressions followed by 2 ventilations. This ratio balances the need for effective chest compressions with adequate oxygenation.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. 5:1 is an outdated ratio and not currently recommended.
  • B. 30:5 is not a standard recommended ratio for adult CPR.
  • C. 15:2 is the ratio for two-rescuer CPR in children and infants, not single-rescuer adult.

Adult CPR Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio

The number of chest compressions performed for every set of rescue breaths during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for an adult.

  • For single-rescuer adult CPR, the ratio is 30:2.
  • Compressions should be at least 2 inches deep.
  • Rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
  • Minimize interruptions to compressions.

Memory trick: Adult's arrest, 30-2 is best!

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