What is the recommended depth for chest compressions in adults?

The recommended depth for chest compressions in adults is 2 inches. This depth allows adequate blood circulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Compressions that are too shallow may not effectively move blood through the heart and into vital organs, which is critical for preserving life until emergency medical services can arrive.

Compressing the chest to this depth helps ensure that enough pressure is generated to create artificial circulation, improving the chances of survival for someone experiencing a cardiac arrest. In addition to depth, it's also important that compressions are delivered at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, with a full recoil between compressions to allow the heart to fill again.

Depths less than the recommended 2 inches, like 1 inch or 3 inches, do not adequately support effective blood flow and might lead to insufficient perfusion of the organs. Compressing deeper than 2 inches is generally not recommended as it can potentially cause injury to the chest or internal organs, especially in adults. Thus, adhering to the 2-inch guideline is crucial for effective CPR performance.