What is the required number of chest compressions (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - CPR) to achieve sufficient blood pressure during cardiac arrest?

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From the Guidelines

Il est recommandé d'effectuer au moins 100 à 120 compressions thoraciques par minute pour obtenir une pression artérielle suffisante durant la RCR, avec une profondeur d'au moins 5 cm (2 pouces) mais pas plus de 6 cm (2,4 pouces) pour un adulte moyen. La fréquence et la profondeur des compressions sont cruciales pour maintenir une perfusion minimale des organes vitaux, notamment le cerveau et le cœur, en attendant le retour d'une circulation spontanée 1.

Les études récentes suggèrent que cette cadence et cette profondeur permettent de générer un flux sanguin suffisant pour maintenir une perfusion minimale des organes vitaux 1. Il est important de maintenir un rythme régulier et de minimiser les interruptions, avec des pauses entre les séries de compressions qui ne devraient pas dépasser 10 secondes 1.

Les recommandations actuelles suggèrent un ratio de 30:2 (30 compressions pour 2 insufflations) pour les compressions et les insufflations lors de la RCR seul 1. Il est également important de permettre une décompression complète du thorax entre chaque compression et d'éviter de s'appuyer sur le thorax entre les compressions pour permettre une rétractation complète de la paroi thoracique 1.

En résumé, les points clés pour obtenir une pression artérielle suffisante durant la RCR sont :

  • Une fréquence de compression de 100 à 120/min
  • Une profondeur de compression d'au moins 5 cm (2 pouces) mais pas plus de 6 cm (2,4 pouces)
  • Un ratio de 30:2 pour les compressions et les insufflations
  • Des pauses entre les séries de compressions qui ne devraient pas dépasser 10 secondes
  • Une décompression complète du thorax entre chaque compression et éviter de s'appuyer sur le thorax entre les compressions.

From the Research

Chest Compressions in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

The required number of chest compressions to achieve sufficient blood pressure during cardiac arrest is a critical aspect of CPR. According to the studies, the recommended rate of chest compressions is:

  • At least 100 compressions per minute 2
  • 100-120 compressions per minute 3, 4, 5
  • A depth of 5-6 cm is also recommended 3, 4, 5

Factors Affecting Chest Compression Quality

Several factors can affect the quality of chest compressions, including:

  • Interruptions to chest compressions, which should be minimized 2, 4
  • Fatigue of the compressor, which can be mitigated by aggressive rotation of compressors 2
  • The use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and other equipment 3, 4
  • The skill level and training of the person performing CPR 5, 6

Compliance with Guidelines

Studies have shown that compliance with guidelines for chest compression rate and depth can be challenging:

  • One study found that only 15% of chest compressions were in compliance with both the recommended rate and depth 6
  • Another study found that the proportion of correct depths during on-scene compressions was higher compared to transport compressions 5
  • The use of visual feedback did not significantly improve performance in one study 5

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Technique for chest compressions in adult CPR.

World journal of emergency surgery : WJES, 2011

Research

[New guidelines on resuscitation in adults: What has changed?].

Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie, 2016

Research

Relation between chest compression rate and depth: the ENFONCE Study.

European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine, 2021

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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