Based on the AHA/ILCOR 2015 guidelines, chest compressions in CPR should be performed with minimal and brief interruptions for defibrillation and change of rescuer. The longer the period of active chest compressions, the more blood circulating to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. For patients in cardiac arrest without an advanced airway in place, compressions and ventilations are administered in a 30:2 ratio, with 30 compressions, a brief pause for two breaths, each 1 – 2 seconds in duration. Minimal pauses are necessary to maintain forward blood flow to the brain and the heart.
Defibrillation