At what rate should chest compressions be administered to adults, children, and infants?

Chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are critical for maintaining blood circulation in a person who is in cardiac arrest. The recommended rate for administering chest compressions is at least 100 but not more than 120 times per minute for all age groups, including adults, children, and infants. This range allows for optimal perfusion of the heart and brain, increasing the chances of survival until advanced medical help arrives.

When performing chest compressions at this rate, it is important to ensure they are done with adequate depth and recoil to allow the heart to refill between compressions. Compressions that are too slow may not provide sufficient blood flow, while those that are too fast may not allow enough time for the heart to refill, leading to ineffective CPR. Thus, adhering to this rate ensures that CPR is maximally effective, improving outcomes for victims of cardiac arrest.