How far should you compress the chest when performing CPR on a teenager?

When performing CPR on a teenager, the chest should be compressed to a depth of about 2 inches. This depth is crucial because adequate compression depth helps ensure that blood is effectively circulated during the procedure, maximizing the chances of resuscitating the individual. Proper depth allows for effective cardiac output and can help maintain blood flow to vital organs.

Compressing to this depth is recommended by organizations such as the American Heart Association, which emphasizes that almost all victims of cardiac arrest require strong, effective compressions to increase the likelihood of survival. The specifics of this guideline ensure that rescuers provide compressions that are both sufficient to create the necessary pressure and practical for most individuals performing CPR.

The guidelines also suggest that the rescue should be performed at a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute, in conjunction with the proper compression depth, to maintain effective chest circulation.