During CPR, when should rescue breaths be given?

Rescue breaths should be administered after every 30 chest compressions during CPR for adults and larger children. This sequence is part of the recommended CPR protocol that emphasizes the importance of maintaining blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs during a cardiac arrest. The 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths help to maximize the effectiveness of CPR by ensuring that oxygen reaches the lungs and, subsequently, the bloodstream, which is crucial for sustaining life until advanced medical help arrives.

This method of alternating compressions and breaths is intended for situations where rescue breaths can be safely given, and it is important to ensure that the airway is clear before administering breaths. Therefore, delivering breaths only when there's a clear airway present is crucial, but it fits into the overall procedure of CPR rather than as a standalone rule. The instruction to give breaths specifically for children and infants reflects different guidelines that may apply, but adult CPR primarily focuses on the 30:2 ratio, making it the standard practice for effective CPR in adults.