Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) comprises of cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths in a ratio of 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths (30:2). One ‘cycle’ of CPR is one round of 30:2.

In order to maintain effective CPR, rescuers are advised to swap over after performing 2 minutes of CPR in order to ensure their chest compressions remain effective (delivered at the correct depth and speed).

In 2 minutes you should be able to perform around 5 cycles of CPR if chest compressions are being performed at the correct speed (minimum of 100 chest compressions per minute). The speed of chest compressions is important in order to push blood around the body. Chest compressions performed slowly are unlikely to be effective.

Therefore, as a rule of thumb, rescuers should aim for approximately 5 cycles of CPR before swapping over. They should continue to swap over until advanced medical help arrives. 

How Many Cycles of Infant CPR Should Be Performed in Two Minutes?

If an infant needs CPR, one should perform five sets or cycles of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths in two minutes.

Keep following the cycle of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until:

• There is an AED ready to be used.
• You begin to notice obvious signs of life.
• The ambience becomes unsafe.
• There is another trained responder who can continue to provide chest compressions.
• The emergency medical services arrive at the location.
• You have performed five sets of 30:2 and you need to call 911 as you are alone while taking care of the baby.

What is Two Minutes of CPR for a Child?

If a child needs CPR, here is what you should do:

• Lift the child’s chin with one hand and push down on the forehead using your other hand.
• Place your ear close to the mouth and nose of the child, feel for their breath on your cheek, and be on the lookout for any chest movement.
• If the child isn’t breathing, cover their mouth tightly with your own. Pinch their nose closed, keep their head tilted and chin lifted, and provide two rescue breaths.
• Continue the cycle of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths for two minutes.

FAQs

Conclusion

The following are the key takeaways from this article:

• One cycle of CPR includes 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths.
• Five cycles of CPR should be performed in two minutes if CPR is to be given effectively to a victim.
• The rule of five sets of CPR is applicable to infants and children as well.
• While performing a cycle of CPR, you can switch with someone else who can perform the cycle if they know how to perform CPR just so that you can take a break for a while.