When should rescue breaths be administered in conjunction with compressions?

Rescue breaths should be administered after every 30 compressions during CPR for adults and children when performed by a healthcare provider or a trained individual. The rationale for this approach is based on maintaining a balance between circulation and oxygenation.

In a typical CPR sequence for adults, the cycle is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. The compressions are meant to circulate blood throughout the body, while the rescue breaths provide the necessary oxygen to the lungs. This two-part rhythm enhances the effectiveness of CPR by ensuring that oxygenated blood is pumped to vital organs.

Successfully performing compressions and rescue breaths in this ratio is critical, as it maximizes survival chances and aids in recovery. In different scenarios, such as CPR on infants or when a trained professional is working with a partner, the compression-to-breath ratio may vary. However, for the context of adult CPR by a single rescuer, following the 30 to 2 ratio align with established guidelines.