Why is complete chest recoil important during high-quality CPR?

Complete chest recoil during high-quality CPR is crucial because it allows the heart to adequately refill with blood between compressions. When the chest is compressed during CPR, blood is pushed out of the heart and into the arteries, helping to circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs. However, if there is incomplete recoil, the heart cannot fully expand, which means it doesn’t have the capacity to refill effectively with blood. This reduction in filling diminishes the volume of blood that can be pumped out during the next compression, resulting in less effective overall circulation.

The heart requires this refilling phase to restore its blood volume before the next compression. This cycle is essential for providing sufficient oxygen to the brain and other organs. Therefore, maximizing chest recoil is a fundamental component of effective CPR that enhances the chances of survival for the victim.