How should chest compressions be performed?

Chest compressions should be performed hard and fast to effectively circulate blood during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The American Heart Association recommends that compressions should be at a depth of at least two inches for adults and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This vigorous approach ensures that enough pressure is applied to the chest to help circulate blood to vital organs, especially the brain and heart, during cardiac arrest.

The focus on being "hard" refers to the need for sufficient force to compress the chest adequately, while "fast" emphasizes maintaining a quick pace to optimize blood flow. The quality and effectiveness of compressions can significantly impact the chances of survival and recovery, making the "hard and fast" method the best practice for effective CPR.