What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio when no pulse is detected?

What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio when no pulse is detected?

• A. 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths
• B. 15 compressions followed by 2 breaths
• C. 2 breaths only
• D. No compressions, only breaths

Answer: (A)

When there’s no pulse, the priority is to keep blood circulating while you provide breaths. For an adult with a single rescuer, the standard rhythm is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, and you repeat this cycle until help arrives or a pulse returns. Focus on high-quality compressions: about 100–120 per minute, pressing about 2 inches (5 cm) deep, allowing full chest recoil, and minimizing pauses between cycles. The breaths should be given smoothly, each lasting about 1 second, to inflate the lungs between compressions. Explaining the other options: giving only breaths won’t circulate blood, so it won’t meet the body’s needs without compressions. A pair of breaths every cycle is necessary here, but the recommended pattern is compressions first, then breaths, in a 30:2 ratio. The 15:2 pattern is used in certain pediatric two-rescuer situations, not the typical single-rescuer adult scenario described.

When there’s no pulse, the priority is to keep blood circulating while you provide breaths. For an adult with a single rescuer, the standard rhythm is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, and you repeat this cycle until help arrives or a pulse returns. Focus on high-quality compressions: about 100–120 per minute, pressing about 2 inches (5 cm) deep, allowing full chest recoil, and minimizing pauses between cycles. The breaths should be given smoothly, each lasting about 1 second, to inflate the lungs between compressions.

Explaining the other options: giving only breaths won’t circulate blood, so it won’t meet the body’s needs without compressions. A pair of breaths every cycle is necessary here, but the recommended pattern is compressions first, then breaths, in a 30:2 ratio. The 15:2 pattern is used in certain pediatric two-rescuer situations, not the typical single-rescuer adult scenario described.