Final answer:
The proper ratio for one-person CPR is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Training is essential to prevent harm and ensure effectiveness, and it's important to maintain a compression rate of 100 per minute.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proper compression-to-breath ratio during one-person cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an unconscious victim is 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. This guideline applies to adults, children, and infants, with slight variations for each group. CPR consists of applying pressure to the sternum, between the lines at T4 and T9, to manually compress the heart and maintain blood circulation, especially to the brain where neuron death occurs within minutes without blood flow.
Proper training in CPR is crucial as improper technique can cause harm to the patient, such as broken ribs or damage to internal organs. Training and certification in CPR are widely available through organizations like the American Red Cross. Remember, the goal is to perform high-quality chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute until professional medical help arrives or the patient recovers.