Compression Rate & Depth
Compressions are the part of CPR that most affects survival, and they are what instructors watch most closely on a BLS course. These are the targets you are taught and tested against.
The numbers
Rate 100 to 120 a minute. Adult depth at least 5 cm, not more than 6 cm. Child about 5 cm, infant about 4 cm (about a third of the chest). Full recoil every time. Pauses as short as possible.
100 to 120 compressions a minute for every age. Slower reduces blood flow; faster usually becomes shallow.
For adults, the heel of one hand on the lower half of the breastbone, the other hand on top, arms straight and shoulders over the hands. Techniques for children and infants are in BLS for infants and children.
Let the chest come all the way back up after each compression. Leaning on the chest stops the heart refilling, so the next compression moves less blood.
Every pause lets blood pressure fall. Keep pauses for breaths, pulse checks and the AED as short as possible, and swap compressors about every 2 minutes, before fatigue sets in.
Compressions on a soft mattress lose depth. Move the person to the floor, or use a backboard if one is available.
Training manikins that show depth and rate make it obvious how hard good compressions are. Expect to push harder than feels natural. The skills test checks all of the above.
This guide summarises what is taught on the course. The American Heart Association CPR and ECC Guidelines, linked below, are the authoritative source.
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100 to 120 compressions a minute.
At least 5 cm but not more than 6 cm.
About 4 cm, one third of the chest depth.
It lets the heart refill between compressions.
About every 2 minutes, with the switch taking as little time as possible.
Reading is not the same as doing. Safety First Medical Services is an American Heart Association training centre on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, with classroom, HeartCode and on-site BLS training and a two-year AHA BLS Provider eCard.
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What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.
Last reviewed by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.