What is the recommended rate of chest compressions during CPR?

The recommended rate of chest compressions during CPR is between 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This range is critical to effectively circulate blood in a person who is in cardiac arrest. Compressing the chest at this rate maximizes the chances of maintaining adequate blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, until further medical help arrives or until an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be used.

Research has shown that compressions at this rate lead to optimal outcomes during cardiac arrest situations. The importance of maintaining the correct rate is that too slow a rate (like 60 to 80 compressions per minute) may not provide sufficient blood flow, while excessively fast compressions (beyond 120 per minute) can result in ineffective compressions due to inadequate depth and time for the heart to refill with blood between compressions. Therefore, adhering to the 100 to 120 compressions per minute guideline ensures both effectiveness and efficiency during CPR.