The 30:2 Ratio: An Important Part of CPR

The Basics of 30:2 What You Need to Know

When learning about CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, you’ve probably heard people saying that you need to know the “30:2” ratio. 

But what does it actually mean. It means when giving CPR you need to repeat the pattern of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.

But why these specific numbers? The 30 compressions help maintain blood flow throughout the body, while the 2 breaths provide additional oxygen.

This balance is key to effective CPR. In our CPR courses in Brisbane, we ensure you master this technique through hands-on practice and expert guidance.

The Evolution of CPR: From 15:2 to now

CPR hasn’t always followed the 30:2 ratio. If you learned CPR more than a decade ago, you might remember the 15:2 ratio. So, when did CPR change from 15:2 to 30:2?

The shift occurred in 2005 when the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council updated their guidelines. But why the change? Research showed that more chest compressions led to better outcomes. The 30:2 ratio allows for more compressions in a given time period, which helps maintain better blood flow to vital organs.

You might wonder, “Why 15 compressions 2 breaths in the old method?” The 15:2 ratio was based on earlier understanding of CPR dynamics. It was thought that this ratio provided a good balance between chest compressions and oxygenation. However, as research advanced, it became clear that more compressions were beneficial, leading to the shift to 30:2.

At our CPR courses in Brisbane, we always teach the most up-to-date techniques, focusing on the current 30:2 standard.

CPR for Adults vs. Children: 

A common question we get at our CPR courses in Brisbane is whether  the ratio for students is different for children. Specifically, people often ask, “Is child CPR 15:2 or 30:2?”

To simplify training and improve outcomes, the 30:2 ratio is now used for both adults and children for lay rescuers. This consistency in the ratio makes it easier to remember and apply in stressful situations.

The main difference lies in the force used for compressions. For children, less force is needed due to their smaller size. Our cpr courses cover this and more differences.

Two-Person CPR: Teamwork with 30:2

While one-person CPR is important to know, two-person CPR can be even more effective. But how does two-person CPR work while maintaining the right ratio?

In two-person CPR, one person focuses on chest compressions while the other gives breaths. The ratio remains the same, but the roles are divided. After 30 compressions, the person doing breaths quickly gives 2 breaths, then compressions resume immediately.

How often do you switch in 2-person CPR? Typically, rescuers should switch every 2 minutes or after about 5 cycles of 30:2. This helps prevent fatigue and maintains the quality of compressions. When switching, the person giving breaths moves to the chest compression position, and the person doing compressions moves to the head to give breaths. However you can switch whenever you need to, especially if you are getting exhausted.

Common 30:2 Ratio Questions Answered

Let’s address some common questions about the 30:2 ratio that often come up in our courses:

1. Why is the ratio 30:2 and not 15:2 or 20:2? Because it provides more chest compressions in a given time period, which research has shown leads to better outcomes. It balances the need for blood circulation (compressions) with oxygenation (breaths).
2. Does the 30:2 ratio change for different age groups? For lay rescuers, the 30:2 ratio remains constant for adults, children, and infants. This consistency makes the technique easier to remember and apply in emergencies.
3. How long should 30 compressions and 2 breaths take? Ideally, 30 compressions should take about 15-18 seconds (aiming for a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute), and the 2 breaths should take less than 10 seconds. This means one full cycle should take about 24 seconds or less.
4. Can I do only compressions without the 2 breaths? While the 30:2 ratio is standard, compression-only CPR is acceptable if you are unwilling or unable to give breaths. Remember, some CPR is better than no CPR.
5. How does the 30:2 ratio work in two-person CPR? In two-person CPR, one person does 30 compressions while the other prepares to give 2 breaths. The ratio stays the same, but the tasks are divided between two rescuers.

The Importance of Proper CPR Training

While reading about the 30:2 technique is informative, there’s no substitute for hands-on training. Proper technique is essential for effective CPR. That’s where our CPR courses in.

Our courses offer:

• Expert instruction from certified professionals
• Hands-on practice
• Up-to-date information
• Scenarios to build your confidence

We focus on making sure you not only know the 30:2 ratio but can perform it effectively under pressure. Our instructors will guide you through the proper hand placement, compression depth, and breath delivery techniques!

CPR: A 30:2 Skill for Everyone

To Recap:  The 30:2 technique makes sure you balance out maintaining bloodflow with getting oxygen. It’s the current standard in 2024 for children, infants and adults and you can do it with 2 rescuer CPR.

We hope you’ll get started with a CPR Course Today!