The correct compression to ventilation ratio for CPR in children and infants is 15:2 when there are two rescuers available, which aligns with established CPR guidelines. This ratio is specifically designed to accommodate the physiological differences in children and infants compared to adults, recognizing that they typically require a higher ratio of breaths to compressions.
The reason for the higher ratio of 15 compressions to 2 breaths stems from the lower body mass and heart rate in children and infants, where having more breaths relative to the number of compressions helps to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation during cardiac arrest situations. In cases where a single rescuer is performing CPR, the recommended ratio is 30:2, which is more appropriate for adults and in situations where quick action is critical.
This emphasis on the correct compression to ventilation ratio is critical to providing effective life-saving measures and aligning with guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association.