How many compressions should you give in one cycle before giving rescue breaths?

In a situation requiring basic life support for children and infants, it is crucial to understand the proper ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths. After evaluating the answer provided, it's essential to clarify that the recommended practice for performing CPR on children and infants involves delivering 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This approach is designed to maximize blood flow and oxygenation during cardiac arrest, thereby providing the best chance for survival.

The process is guided by the goal of ensuring that adequate chest compressions are provided to maintain circulation while quickly following up with rescue breaths to support the crucial need for oxygen in the body. This sequence emphasizes the importance of providing effective compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, ensuring that the circulatory system receives enough perfusion pressure to sustain vital organs until emergency medical services can take over.

In this context, the number of compressions given in one cycle is specifically set at 30 before transitioning to providing rescue breaths, as it balances the need for ongoing cardiovascular support while addressing immediate breathing concerns. This structured approach is vital for providing effective care during emergencies involving children and infants.