What is the correct ratio of compressions to ventilations when performing high-quality CPR on an adult without an advanced airway in place?

The correct ratio of compressions to ventilations when performing high-quality CPR on an adult without an advanced airway in place is 30 compressions to 2 ventilations. This ratio is designed to optimize the effectiveness of chest compressions while also ensuring adequate ventilation to deliver oxygen to the patient.

In high-quality CPR, the primary goal is to maintain blood flow and ensure that the heart continues to circulate blood to vital organs. The emphasis on a 30:2 ratio allows for more frequent compressions, which helps maintain perfusion pressure and improve the chances of survival. This ratio also strikes a balance between compressions and breaths, making it easier for rescuers to deliver CPR effectively without excessive pauses that could decrease the overall effectiveness of the intervention.

In the context of CPR training guidelines, this approach reinforces the importance of maintaining a high frequency of compressions, which should be at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, while providing timely ventilations to support oxygenation. This method has been backed by resuscitation science to optimize cardiovascular function in a cardiac arrest scenario.