What defines high-quality chest compressions?

High-quality chest compressions are crucial for effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) because they help circulate blood to the heart and brain during cardiac arrest. A compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute ensures that the compressions are delivered at a pace that is in line with current guidelines. This rate maximizes blood flow, helping to maintain vital organ perfusion while minimizing the time between compressions.

Additionally, achieving complete chest recoil is essential as it allows the heart to fill with blood between compressions, promoting effective circulation. Thus, the combination of the correct compression rate with full recoil directly improves the chances of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.

Other considerations like minimizing interruptions during CPR or using both hands in all situations are important, but they are not as central to defining the quality of compressions as the specified rate and recoil. The priority in chest compressions is to ensure both the speed and effectiveness of blood circulation through proper technique.