The 2005 compression-ventilation ratio in practice: Cycles or time?

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine how long it takes rescuers to complete five cycles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using a compression-ventilation (CV) ratio of 30:2. Materials and methods: Twenty subjects, who were all members of the medical service at a motor racing circuit and trained in basic life support (BLS), were instructed to provide five cycles of CPR with a CV ratio of 30:2 using a manikin (Little Anne™ Adult CPR Manikin, Laerdal, Stavanger, Norway). The time taken to deliver the first two breaths and to complete all five cycles was recorded. Results: The median time to deliver the first two breaths was 7.3 s (IQR 6.5-9.6 s) and the median time to complete five cycles with a CV ratio of 30:2 was 105.0 s (IQR 92.0-112 s). Many of the subjects found it difficult to count five cycles when using this CV ratio. Conclusions: Five cycles of CPR using a CV ratio of 30:2 takes approximately 1 min 45 s to complete. Using this CV ratio, trained individuals find it difficult to count out five cycles of CPR. It may be simpler to train individuals to give CPR for a specified time (2 min) instead of a specific number of cycles.