Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

In two-rescuer CPR for an infant, what is the cycle for compressions and ventilations?

1. 15 chest compressions and 2 ventilations

2. 15 chest compressions and 1 ventilation

3. 30 chest compressions and 1 ventilation

4. 30 chest compressions and 2 ventilations

The correct answer is: 15 chest compressions and 2 ventilations

In two-rescuer CPR for an infant, the correct cycle involves delivering 15 chest compressions followed by 2 ventilations. This ratio of compressions to ventilations is specifically designed to ensure effective circulation and oxygenation during the critical moments of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. The 15 compressions help to maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the heart and brain, which are highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation. Following the chest compressions, delivering 2 ventilations helps to provide sufficient oxygen to the infant's lungs, addressing the need for both adequate circulation and respiratory support. This approach balances the management of both aspects of the infant's condition and reflects current guidelines for pediatric advanced life support. Other ratios would either fail to provide enough support for either compressions or ventilations, which could compromise the effectiveness of the resuscitation effort.