Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam 2026 - Free EMT Practice Questions and Study Guide

The recommended compression to ventilation ratio for two-person CPR on a child is 15:2. This ratio is specifically designed to provide effective cardiac compressions while ensuring adequate ventilation.

In two-person CPR, the first rescuer is responsible for delivering chest compressions, while the second rescuer provides ventilations. This 15:2 ratio allows for a higher frequency of compressions per set of ventilations compared to adult CPR, which can help maintain blood flow more effectively in a child's smaller and more susceptible body.

This approach recognizes that children typically have better respiratory reserves than adults, meaning that effective ventilations can be achieved with less frequent breath delivery. In this scenario, the compressions keep blood circulating, while the ventilations supply oxygen, which is crucial for a child's recovery during a cardiac event. This method is key to maximizing the chances of survival and improving outcomes in pediatric patients during emergencies.