In CPR for a drowning victim who is unresponsive and not breathing, what is the recommended sequence for a single rescuer?

In CPR for a drowning victim who is unresponsive and not breathing, what is the recommended sequence for a single rescuer?

• A. 30 compressions, followed by 2 rescue breaths.
• B. 2 breaths, then 30 compressions.
• C. 15 compressions, followed by 2 breaths.
• D. 60 compressions with no breaths.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that, for a single rescuer dealing with an unresponsive person who isn’t breathing, the CPR sequence used is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This 30:2 pattern balances delivering blood flow with periodic oxygenation. In a drowning scenario, the lack of oxygen is the immediate problem, so providing breaths after establishing circulatory flow helps deliver oxygen to the brain and heart as soon as possible without unduly delaying compressions. Starting with compressions ensures that blood circulation is restored quickly, which is crucial for survival. Deliver chest compressions at a steady rate of about 100–120 per minute and a depth of about 5 cm (2 inches) for adults, allowing full recoil between compressions. Give rescue breaths by tilting the head, lifting the chin, and blowing two breaths, each lasting about 1 second, with visible chest rise, then resume compressions. The other options either delay circulation, use a two-rescuer pediatric ratio, or omit breaths entirely, which isn’t appropriate for a drowning victim who isn’t breathing.

The main idea is that, for a single rescuer dealing with an unresponsive person who isn’t breathing, the CPR sequence used is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This 30:2 pattern balances delivering blood flow with periodic oxygenation. In a drowning scenario, the lack of oxygen is the immediate problem, so providing breaths after establishing circulatory flow helps deliver oxygen to the brain and heart as soon as possible without unduly delaying compressions. Starting with compressions ensures that blood circulation is restored quickly, which is crucial for survival.

Deliver chest compressions at a steady rate of about 100–120 per minute and a depth of about 5 cm (2 inches) for adults, allowing full recoil between compressions. Give rescue breaths by tilting the head, lifting the chin, and blowing two breaths, each lasting about 1 second, with visible chest rise, then resume compressions. The other options either delay circulation, use a two-rescuer pediatric ratio, or omit breaths entirely, which isn’t appropriate for a drowning victim who isn’t breathing.