How deep should chest compressions be in adults during CPR?

Chest compressions during CPR for adults should be performed at a depth of at least 2 inches. This depth is important to create enough pressure in the chest cavity to help circulate blood effectively to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart. Compressions that are too shallow might not provide the necessary blood flow needed during a cardiac arrest, which can significantly reduce the chances of survival. The recommendation of at least 2 inches is based on research and guidelines provided by the American Heart Association, which emphasize that deeper compressions lead to better outcomes in resuscitation efforts.

Moreover, the focus on achieving a depth of 2 inches rather than any deeper or shallower allows for a balance between effective perfusion and the risk of causing injury to the chest wall, which can occur with compressions that exceed this depth. Therefore, maintaining this standard is critical in ensuring both the integrity of the patient's chest structures and the efficacy of the CPR being administered.