What is the standard CPR cycle in terms of compressions and breaths?

What is the standard CPR cycle in terms of compressions and breaths?

• A. 15 compressions and 2 breaths
• B. 30 compressions and 2 breaths
• C. 20 compressions and 1 breath
• D. 25 compressions and 2 breaths

Answer: (B)

In adult CPR with a single rescuer, the standard cycle is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths. This 30:2 pattern is designed to maximize blood flow to vital organs while providing enough oxygen to the blood. Compressions keep perfusion to the brain and heart, and breaths replenish oxygen; doing too many breaths or pausing too long for breaths interrupts circulation and reduces survival chances. Aim for about 100–120 compressions per minute and a depth of roughly 2 inches (5 cm) for adults, with each of the two breaths lasting about a second and causing the chest to rise. If two rescuers are present, the ratio often changes to 15:2, but the single-rescuer standard you’re asked about is 30:2.

In adult CPR with a single rescuer, the standard cycle is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths. This 30:2 pattern is designed to maximize blood flow to vital organs while providing enough oxygen to the blood. Compressions keep perfusion to the brain and heart, and breaths replenish oxygen; doing too many breaths or pausing too long for breaths interrupts circulation and reduces survival chances. Aim for about 100–120 compressions per minute and a depth of roughly 2 inches (5 cm) for adults, with each of the two breaths lasting about a second and causing the chest to rise. If two rescuers are present, the ratio often changes to 15:2, but the single-rescuer standard you’re asked about is 30:2.