How is the effectiveness of chest compressions best assessed?

The effectiveness of chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is best assessed by ensuring that there is adequate blood flow generated to the vital organs, particularly the brain and heart. Palpating for a carotid pulse during compressions provides immediate feedback about the effectiveness of those compressions. If a pulse is palpable, it indicates that the compressions are generating enough cardiac output to circulate blood, suggesting that the CPR is being performed effectively.

Assessing the carotid pulse allows the rescuer to gauge the quality of compressions in real-time. This tangible metric is vital during high-stress CPR scenarios, as it continuously informs the rescuer about the performance of the chest compressions. While other methods, such as measuring compression depth or listening for a heartbeat, can provide useful information, they do not directly indicate the circulatory effectiveness as palpating for a carotid pulse does.