What is the preferred rate of chest compressions during PALS?

The preferred rate of chest compressions during Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This rate has been established based on research indicating that it optimizes blood flow and increases the likelihood of successful return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in pediatric cardiac arrest cases. Compressions performed at this rate ensure that enough blood is pumped to the vital organs during chest compressions while avoiding the risks associated with compressions that are either too slow or too fast.

By maintaining this compression rate during resuscitation efforts, healthcare providers adhere to guidelines designed to improve outcomes for pediatric patients experiencing cardiac arrest. Both the American Heart Association and other leading medical organizations emphasize this range as being critical for both effectiveness and safety in high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).