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CPR-BASICS5 MIN READ

Compressions That Actually Circulate

Explain the mechanics of high-quality adult chest compressions and identify the most damaging compression errors.

The move: make the chest a pump, not a gesture. Depth creates forward flow Adult compressions need enough depth to squeeze the heart between the breastbone and spine. Shallow pushes look active but move less blood. Aim for at least 2 inches on an average adult while avoiding excessive depth. Rate creates repeated pressure The 100-120 per minute range is a working range, not a decoration. Too slow gives too few pulses of blood. Too fast often turns into shallow compressions and incomplete recoil. Recoil lets the pump refill Leaning on the chest between compressions keeps pressure on the chest…

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