American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Practice Test

In a high-performance BLS team, the role primarily responsible for providing chest compressions is the compressor. This role is critical because the effectiveness of chest compressions significantly impacts the likelihood of survival in a cardiac arrest scenario. The compressor focuses solely on delivering high-quality compressions, which should be at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute and at a depth of about 2 inches for adults, allowing for full chest recoil between compressions.

By having a designated compressor, the team can ensure that chest compressions are consistent and uninterrupted, which is vital for maintaining blood circulation to vital organs during cardiac arrest. This allows other team members to focus on their specific roles—such as managing the airway, operating the AED, or leading the overall resuscitation effort—without distraction. This structured team approach optimizes the efficiency and effectiveness of the response, leading to better patient outcomes.