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Adult CPR Protocol — EECC MCQ

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EasyGeneral CardiologyAdult CPR ProtocolEECC

A 72-year-old man is found unconscious and pulseless. Bystander CPR is started. The AED identifies a shockable rhythm. According to current European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR?

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Correct answer: C — 30 compressions to 2 ventilations (30:2) for both one-rescuer and two-rescuer CPR in adults, with continuous compressions at a rate of 100-120/min and a depth of 5-6 cm

The ERC 2021 Guidelines recommend for adult CPR: (1) compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2 for both single and two-rescuer CPR (paediatric 2-rescuer CPR uses 15:2); (2) compression rate 100-120/min; (3) compression depth 5-6 cm (not deeper); (4) full chest recoil between compressions; (5) minimise interruptions to chest compressions (fraction >60%); (6) if an advanced airway is placed, continuous compressions at 100-120/min with ventilations at 10/min (not synchronised). For untrained bystanders, compression-only CPR (without ventilations) is acceptable and encouraged as it removes the barrier to action. Early defibrillation within 3-5 minutes of collapse can achieve survival rates of 50-70% for VF/pVT.

Reference: ERC (2021): Resuscitation Guidelines