What is the correct compression rate for neonatal chest compressions?

The correct compression rate for neonatal chest compressions is 120 compressions per minute. This rate is crucial for delivering effective chest compressions during resuscitation efforts in newborns. The goal of maintaining this specific rate is to ensure an adequate blood flow to vital organs, especially the heart and brain, while minimizing the risk of further injury.

The 120 compressions per minute rate aligns with the recommendations of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), which emphasizes the importance of delivering compressions at a consistent speed that can maintain circulation while allowing for adequate ventilations. The focus on this rate balances the need for effective compressions with the physiological capabilities of the newborn heart and body during critical situations.

Finding the right balance in compression rate is essential, as either too slow or too fast can lead to reduced effectiveness in improving perfusion and survival outcomes during neonatal resuscitation scenarios. Achieving this target requires proper training and practice to develop the required coordination and rhythm.