In basic life support, after how many compressions should the rescuer pause to give rescue breaths?

In basic life support (BLS), the established guideline is to provide 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. The rationale for pausing after 30 compressions is to ensure that the victim receives adequate circulation and oxygenation. The compressions help maintain blood flow to the vital organs, while the rescue breaths offer the necessary oxygen to the lungs.

This sequence—30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths—is critical because it balances the need for effective circulation with the requirement for oxygen. Following this pattern helps to maximize the chances of survival in a victim experiencing cardiac arrest. The numbers in the other options do not align with the standardized protocol, making them incorrect.