When performing CPR on an infant or child, compress to a depth of at least what fraction of the chest depth?

When performing CPR on an infant or child, the recommended compression depth is at least one-third of the chest depth. For infants, this typically translates to approximately 1.5 inches, while for children, it can range from 2 inches to a little more, depending on the size of the child.

Using this depth is crucial because it ensures that sufficient pressure is applied to circulate blood effectively, thus maintaining blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest. Compressing to a depth less than one-third may not generate adequate blood flow, reducing the effectiveness of the compressions.

This understanding reinforces the importance of proper technique in CPR, especially with smaller patients, where the risk of causing injury from overly aggressive compressions must be balanced with the need for effective resuscitation.