In an adult who collapses and is not breathing normally, how many chest compressions should be started and at what rate per minute?

• A. 30 chest compressions at 100-120 per minute
• B. 50 compressions at 80 per minute
• C. 15 compressions at 100 per minute
• D. 30 compressions at 60 per minute

Answer: (A)

Immediate, high-quality chest compressions are essential to keep blood flowing when an adult collapses and isn’t breathing normally. The recommended rate is 100–120 compressions per minute, which provides the best chance to perfuse the heart and brain. In the common one-rescuer sequence, you perform 30 compressions before giving breaths (30:2).

Why this fits: a slower rate (like 60 per minute) reduces perfusion, while a faster rate can compromise compression depth and full chest recoil. The number 30 aligns with the standard compression-to-breaths cycle for adults in many guidelines.