What is the minimum depth of chest compressions in CPR to be effective?

What is the minimum depth of chest compressions in CPR to be effective?

• A. 2 Inches
• B. 1 Inch
• C. 2.5 Inches
• D. 3 Inches

Answer: (A)

Generating enough blood flow during CPR hinges on compressing the chest to a depth that reliably squeezes the heart. For adults, the minimum depth that achieves this is about 2 inches (5 cm). Compressing only 1 inch doesn’t create enough pressure to circulate blood effectively, so it’s not adequate. Deeper depths like 2.5 inches or 3 inches are not required to meet the minimum and carry a higher risk of injury, even though they can still be effective; what matters for the minimum is reaching that 2-inch depth.

Generating enough blood flow during CPR hinges on compressing the chest to a depth that reliably squeezes the heart. For adults, the minimum depth that achieves this is about 2 inches (5 cm). Compressing only 1 inch doesn’t create enough pressure to circulate blood effectively, so it’s not adequate. Deeper depths like 2.5 inches or 3 inches are not required to meet the minimum and carry a higher risk of injury, even though they can still be effective; what matters for the minimum is reaching that 2-inch depth.