In performing CPR on an infant without an advanced airway, how many compressions should you perform before delivering ventilations?

When performing CPR on an infant without an advanced airway, the recommended sequence is to provide 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths. This ratio is critical as it optimally supports circulation and oxygenation in the infant.

The American Heart Association guidelines for infant CPR emphasize that high-quality chest compressions should be the priority, followed by prompt rescue breaths to ensure that oxygen reaches the lungs. The 30:2 ratio helps to maintain circulation while also allowing for sufficient time to deliver needed ventilations.

Using the right ratio aids in the effectiveness of the lifesaving process, as it balances the need for compressions—which met the systemic demands—and ventilation to address the oxygenation needs of the heart and brain during cardiac arrest situations.