What is the correct compressions-to-breaths ratio for an infant or child during CPR?

• A. 12 to 1
• B. 15 to 2
• C. 20 to 2
• D. 15 to 1

Answer: (D)

In pediatric CPR, the rhythm aims to provide enough chest compressions to circulate blood while delivering breaths to oxygenate. When two rescuers are performing CPR on an infant or child, the recommended pattern is 15 compressions followed by 2 breaths, and you repeat this cycle. This 15:2 ratio balances perfusion with ventilation, helping maintain blood flow between breaths. If only one rescuer is present, the guideline changes to 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, then repeat. Ratios that don’t match the pediatric two-rescuer pattern—such as 12:1, 20:2, or 15:1—don’t align with current practice and would disrupt the balance of compressions and ventilations.