During CPR, how many chest compressions are given before rescue breaths?

During CPR, how many chest compressions are given before rescue breaths?

• A. 15 compressions followed by 1 breath.
• B. 20 compressions followed by 2 breaths.
• C. 45 compressions followed by 3 breaths.
• D. 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is to keep blood flowing with chest compressions while still providing enough breaths to oxygenate the blood. For an adult in one-rescuer CPR, the recommended pattern is to perform thirty chest compressions in a row, then give two rescue breaths, and repeat. This 30:2 cycle balances maximizing circulation with providing ventilation: too many breaths or long pauses would drop blood flow, while too few compressions would limit perfusion. The pace should be about 100–120 compressions per minute with a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm) and full chest recoil between compressions.

The main idea is to keep blood flowing with chest compressions while still providing enough breaths to oxygenate the blood. For an adult in one-rescuer CPR, the recommended pattern is to perform thirty chest compressions in a row, then give two rescue breaths, and repeat. This 30:2 cycle balances maximizing circulation with providing ventilation: too many breaths or long pauses would drop blood flow, while too few compressions would limit perfusion. The pace should be about 100–120 compressions per minute with a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm) and full chest recoil between compressions.