What should be the depth of chest compressions for adults during CPR?

The recommended depth of chest compressions for adults during CPR is 2 inches. This depth is crucial because it ensures that sufficient pressure is applied to the chest to compress the heart effectively, allowing for adequate blood circulation to vital organs. Compressions at this depth help facilitate the flow of blood, improving the chances of returning a patient to a perfusable rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest.

Using a depth of 2 inches strikes a balance between being deep enough to generate adequate blood flow and not being so deep that it could cause injury to the chest or internal organs. It is important for rescuers to also allow for full recoil of the chest after each compression, as this helps maintain blood flow back to the heart.

Depths that are too shallow, such as 1 inch, do not provide the necessary circulation needed for effective CPR. Depths such as 2.5 and 3 inches may also pose a risk of causing trauma to the patient's chest or organs and could be impractical in a real-life scenario. Thus, adhering to the guideline of a 2-inch compression depth is vital for effective CPR delivery.