American Red Cross R.24 Lifeguarding Practice Exam

In two-rescuer adult CPR, the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30 compressions to 2 ventilations. This ratio is established to ensure that the victim receives adequate chest compressions, which are essential for maintaining blood circulation, alongside effective ventilations that provide oxygen.

The 30:2 ratio signifies that for every 30 chest compressions given to the victim, the rescuers should provide 2 rescue breaths. This is particularly important in adult resuscitation because it balances the need for continuous blood flow through compressions while also not interrupting the circulation for too long when providing ventilations.

The choice of 30 compressions followed by 2 ventilations helps to create a rhythm that becomes a standard protocol, making it easier for rescuers to remember and correctly perform CPR efficiently. Techniques that deviate from this ratio would not align with the recommended guidelines for adult CPR and may hinder the effectiveness of the resuscitation process.