When performing CPR, what is the correct number of compressions and breaths?

When performing CPR, what is the correct number of compressions and breaths?

• A. 15 compressions with 2 breaths
• B. 30 compressions with 2 breaths
• C. 30 compressions with 3 breaths
• D. 20 compressions with 2 breaths

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how CPR balances circulating blood with delivering oxygen. For adults, the standard rhythm is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, repeating these cycles until help arrives or the person shows signs of life. This 30:2 ratio keeps blood flowing to the heart and brain between breaths while providing enough oxygen without interrupting chest compressions for too long. Think of it this way: compressions generate the core circulation, and breaths refill the lungs so the blood being pumped has fresh oxygen. If you give too many breaths or interrupt compressions too often, perfusion drops and the chance of saving the person decreases. Two breaths after every set of 30 compressions is the best balance recommended for single-rescuer adult CPR, with each breath lasting about a second and delivering enough air to see chest rise. Other ratios aren’t suited for adults. For example, smaller, pediatric guidelines sometimes use different ratios when two rescuers are present, but in adult CPR the 30 compressions to 2 breaths is the standard.

The main idea here is how CPR balances circulating blood with delivering oxygen. For adults, the standard rhythm is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, repeating these cycles until help arrives or the person shows signs of life. This 30:2 ratio keeps blood flowing to the heart and brain between breaths while providing enough oxygen without interrupting chest compressions for too long.

Think of it this way: compressions generate the core circulation, and breaths refill the lungs so the blood being pumped has fresh oxygen. If you give too many breaths or interrupt compressions too often, perfusion drops and the chance of saving the person decreases. Two breaths after every set of 30 compressions is the best balance recommended for single-rescuer adult CPR, with each breath lasting about a second and delivering enough air to see chest rise.

Other ratios aren’t suited for adults. For example, smaller, pediatric guidelines sometimes use different ratios when two rescuers are present, but in adult CPR the 30 compressions to 2 breaths is the standard.