What is the recommended depth of chest compressions for adults during CPR?

The recommended depth of chest compressions for adults during CPR is at least 2 inches. This guideline is based on the need to effectively compress the chest to create adequate blood flow and perfusion during cardiac arrest. Compressing at least 2 inches helps ensure that the heart is sufficiently squeezed to pump blood, maximizing the chances of restoring circulation and improving survival rates.

Research and updates in resuscitation guidelines emphasize the importance of achieving enough depth during compressions to simulate the heart's natural pumping action. If compressions are too shallow, which would occur with depths less than the recommended guideline, the effectiveness of CPR can diminish significantly. Providing compressions that exceed this depth unnecessarily could also result in complications or injury to the patient’s sternum or ribs, but for the purpose of effective resuscitation, a depth of at least 2 inches is essential.