What is the recommended CPR cycle in the material?

• A. Two minutes of compressions with two breaths after every 30 compressions
• B. One minute of compressions with one breath after every 10 compressions
• C. Five minutes of continuous compressions with no breaths
• D. Three minutes of compressions with breaths after every 60 compressions

Answer: (A)

The pattern that works best is to combine chest compressions with brief ventilation in a 30:2 rhythm and repeat it in short cycles, typically continuing for about two minutes of compressions before reassessing. Doing 30 compressions at a steady pace (about 100–120 per minute) helps restore blood flow, while delivering 2 rescue breaths after those compressions provides oxygen to the lungs and blood. Keeping the cycles tight with brief pauses for breaths minimizes interruptions to circulation, which is crucial during CPR.

Other options break this balance: some suggest too frequent breaths with fewer compressions, which reduces perfusion; others omit breaths entirely, risking insufficient oxygen delivery; and some propose long uninterrupted compressions with unusual breath intervals, which isn’t how the cycle is structured in standard guidance. The two-minute compression window with breaths after every 30 compressions offers the practical, proven balance between circulating blood and oxygenating the patient.