Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam 2026 - Free BLS Practice Questions and Study Guide

In Basic Life Support (BLS) for children, the recommended chest compression depth is 2 inches (5 cm). This depth is critical to ensure effective compressions that can generate sufficient blood flow during cardiac arrest. Compressions at this depth allow for adequate chest recoil, which helps to fill the heart with blood, thus improving circulation to vital organs.

Achieving the correct depth is essential because shallow compressions may not adequately circulate blood, reducing the chances of survival in a child experiencing cardiac arrest. The emphasis on pushing down to a depth of 2 inches is based on physiological studies and guidelines developed by agencies such as the American Heart Association. This depth is specifically tailored to the average size and anatomical features of a child, ensuring that the compressions are both effective and safe.