Lifesaving CPR That Cracks Ribs

The recommended depth for chest compressions in adult CPR is about 2 inches, or roughly 5 centimeters, to keep blood moving during cardiac arrest. At that depth, about 30 percent of patients will end up with broken ribs or a fractured sternum. Rescuers are trained to accept this risk because shallow compressions are much less effective at circulating blood.

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