During CPR, to achieve effective chest recoil, what should you make sure to do?

Effective chest recoil during CPR is crucial because it allows blood to flow back into the heart between compressions. When the chest fully recoils, it creates a negative pressure in the thoracic cavity which helps fill the heart with blood. This enhances coronary perfusion pressure, which is vital for the heart to eventually resume a normal rhythm.

If the chest does not completely recoil, it limits the return of blood to the heart and can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the compressions. Therefore, the emphasis on allowing the chest to fully recoil is fundamental to performing high-quality CPR. This principle is an essential part of the CPR guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome for a person in cardiac arrest.