When performing chest compressions on an adult during CPR, how far should the sternum be depressed?

During CPR on an adult, the sternum should be depressed 1.5 to 2 inches. This depth of compression is critical for effectively pumping blood from the heart and maintaining circulation to vital organs. Depressing the sternum within this range ensures that enough pressure is applied to create adequate blood flow, which is necessary for oxygenating the brain and other crucial tissues.

If the compressions are too shallow, there may not be sufficient blood flow to sustain the victim's life during cardiac arrest. Conversely, compressing deeper than 2 inches can increase the risk of injury to the ribcage and internal organs without significantly improving the efficacy of blood circulation. Therefore, adhering to the guideline of 1.5 to 2 inches strikes a balance between safety and effectiveness in resuscitation efforts.