How deep should chest compressions be performed in adults during CPR?

Chest compressions in adults during CPR should be performed to a depth of at least 5 cm. This depth is critical for effectively generating the necessary pressure to circulate blood and maintain vital organ perfusion during cardiac arrest. The depth of 5 cm is established based on studies showing that compressions of insufficient depth may not adequately compress the heart and, therefore, can result in ineffective blood flow.

When compressions are performed at this depth, it allows for the maximum amount of blood to be expelled from the heart during each compression, ensuring that vital organs receive essential oxygenated blood. The recommended depth is also within a range that reduces the risk of injury to the chest while still being effective for resuscitation efforts.

Maintaining the correct depth is part of the overall technique for high-quality CPR, which also includes aspects like the rate of compressions and allowing full chest recoil between compressions to maximize blood flow. Inadequate depths, such as those below 5 cm, would significantly decrease the chances of survival for a patient in cardiac arrest.