In BLS, what is the recommended rate of chest compressions for adults?

The recommended rate of chest compressions for adults in Basic Life Support (BLS) is 100-120 compressions per minute. This rate is established based on research indicating that it provides the most effective blood circulation and increases the chances of survival during cardiac arrest.

Compressing the chest at this rate ensures that blood is sufficiently pumped to vital organs, including the brain, which is critical when a patient is not breathing normally or does not have a pulse. Additionally, this compression rate aligns with the mantra of "staying alive," as it corresponds to the tempo of the song, which is a useful aid for rescuers to maintain the appropriate rhythm during CPR.

Maintaining compressions within this range maximizes the efficiency of CPR, ensuring that chest recoil fully occurs to allow for blood flow back into the heart. This is an important factor in achieving effective compressions and optimizing cardiac output in a patient who has suffered a cardiac arrest.