What is the correct ratio of heart compressions to lung inflation when only one rescuer is available for CPR?

The appropriate ratio of heart compressions to lung inflations for a single rescuer performing CPR is 30 compressions to 2 lung inflations. This ratio is based on current CPR guidelines, which emphasize the importance of providing enough compressions to maintain blood circulation and minimizing interruptions for breaths.

When a rescuer is performing CPR, the focus should be on providing high-quality compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. The 30:2 ratio ensures that there are sufficient compressions to circulate blood, followed by two rescue breaths to provide oxygen to the victim.

In single-rescuer situations, this method facilitates a better rhythm that maximizes the effectiveness of the compressions while allowing enough time for lung inflations. The guidelines aim to provide a balance between compressions and rescue breaths, which is vital for the survival of someone experiencing cardiac arrest.