At what rate per minute should chest compressions be performed on a newborn?

The recommended rate for chest compressions on a newborn is 120 compressions per minute. This guideline comes from the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), which emphasizes the importance of high-quality chest compressions during resuscitation efforts in newborns.

Performing compressions at a rate of 120 per minute ensures that adequate blood flow is maintained to vital organs when a newborn is in distress, particularly during cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. The rapid pace allows for effective circulation, which is critical given the newborn's smaller size and unique physiological responses compared to older children and adults.

Maintaining the correct compression rate is part of the overall resuscitation efforts that include ventilation and coordination with other rescue interventions, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the newborn in emergencies.