Which component is essential for effective chest compressions during CPR?

Effective chest compressions during CPR are crucial for maintaining blood circulation to vital organs, especially the brain and heart. Proper depth and rate of compressions ensure that enough blood is being pumped and that the heart receives adequate perfusion. The recommended depth is approximately 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6 cm) for adults, with a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This depth and rate are necessary to create sufficient pressure to circulate blood effectively.

While minimizing interruptions during compressions is also important—since pauses can negatively impact blood flow—ensuring the right depth and rate is fundamentally essential for the compressions to be effective. Compressions that are too shallow or too slow may not provide the necessary perfusion to critical areas. Timing compressions with the victim's breaths is generally not advised in situations where CPR is being performed alone, as it can lead to complications and inefficiencies. Using one hand only would compromise the depth and effectiveness of the compressions.