Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Practice

Rescue breaths are vital in the CPR process because they help provide oxygen to a person whose breathing has stopped or is inadequate. The established guidelines for CPR emphasize a ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths, which is designed to optimize the chances of survival and recovery in a cardiac arrest situation.

The correct answer highlights the importance of delivering rescue breaths after every 30 chest compressions. This approach ensures that oxygen is being delivered to the victim’s lungs while maintaining a sufficient frequency of compressions, which are crucial for maintaining blood circulation. The 30:2 cycle—30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths—strikes a balance between compressions that help circulation and breaths that provide oxygen to vital organs.

This method prioritizes the rhythmic nature of CPR, allowing for effective management of both blood flow and oxygenation over continuous efforts. The timing ensures that the victim is getting adequate support until emergency medical services arrive or the victim starts to show signs of life.