How deep should chest compressions be performed on an adult?

Chest compressions performed on an adult during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be at a depth of 2 inches. This depth is critical because it ensures that enough pressure is applied to effectively compress the heart between the sternum and the backbone, facilitating adequate blood flow to the vital organs, especially the brain and heart itself. Proper depth is crucial for the compressions to create the necessary pressure dynamics that help circulate blood during cardiac arrest.

Furthermore, the American Heart Association guidelines emphasize that compressions should be delivered at a depth of at least 2 inches but not exceeding 2.4 inches. This guideline ensures that compressions are both effective and safe, helping to avoid injury to the chest while maintaining life-saving blood circulation. Therefore, the focus on reaching the correct compression depth is pivotal in managing an adult in cardiac arrest effectively.