In an emergency, how do chest compressions for an adult differ from that for a child?

Using two hands for adults and one hand for children during chest compressions is the correct approach for effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The reason for this distinction lies in the differences in body size and the physiology of adults and children.

In adults, the chest is larger and requires more force to compress adequately, which is why using both hands ensures enough pressure is applied to maintain blood flow during cardiac arrest. For children, since their chests are smaller and they typically require less force, using one hand is often sufficient for effective compressions. This allows for adequate depth and rate of compressions while reducing the risk of injury that might occur if more forceful techniques are used than necessary.

Furthermore, the other options do not align with recommended CPR guidelines. For example, the compression rate is typically consistent across different age groups, and the intervals for rescue breaths also vary based on guidelines rather than being solely dependent on age. Understanding these differences ensures that responders can provide the most effective assistance during emergencies for both adults and children.