Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ACLS Practice Questions and Study Guide

During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), each chest compression should last approximately one second. This timing is crucial because it allows for the effective compression and decompression of the chest, which is essential for generating adequate blood flow to the heart and vital organs.

The compression rate is typically recommended to be at least 100 to 120 compressions per minute, which correlates with the one-second duration per compression. This ensures that the heart is mechanically assisted in pumping blood during cardiac arrest, maximizing the chances of survival until advanced medical support can take over.

In addition to the timing of each compression, it’s important that the depth of compressions reaches at least 2 inches in adults, with complete chest recoil between compressions to allow the heart to refill with blood. This one-second duration contributes to the overall rhythm and timing of effective CPR, enhancing its effectiveness.