When administering basic life support, rescue breaths and chest compressions should be administered in a set ratio. Which is the current correct ratio?

• A. 30:2
• B. 15:2
• C. 5:1
• D. 2:30

Answer: (A)

The question tests the standard cycle of chest compressions to rescue breaths in adult CPR. The current recommended ratio is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, and this cycle is repeated. This 30:2 pattern helps maintain blood flow with compressions while providing just enough ventilation without causing excessive interruptions.

If two rescuers are present, the pattern changes to 15 compressions for every 2 breaths to share the workload while still keeping chest compressions frequent enough to support circulation.

The other options don’t fit the guidelines: 5:1 would overemphasize breaths and break the rhythm of compressions; 2:30 would imply giving breaths first or reversing the order, which isn’t the standard sequence for single-rescuer CPR.