Final answer:
CPR chest compression rates are 100 to 120 compressions per minute for all age groups, with technique variations according to the size of the child or infant. Infants require 30 to 60 breaths per minute, which decreases to 12 to 18 by adolescence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate of chest compressions for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) varies by age group. For adults and adolescents post-puberty, the recommended rate of compressions is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. For children between the ages of 1 and puberty, a similar compression rate is recommended—about 100 to 120 compressions per minute, with modifications in technique and depth of compressions tailored to the child's size. For infants under the age of 1, the recommended rate of compressions is also 100 to 120 per minute, but the technique again differs, as only two fingers are used for the chest compressions, or alternatively, encircling hands for two-rescuer CPR. It is crucial for those performing CPR to also ensure adequate ventilation for the patient. The normal respiratory rate decreases with age, from 30 to 60 breaths per minute in infants to 12 to 18 breaths per minute in adolescents and adults.