What is an important consideration when providing CPR to an adult?

An important consideration when providing CPR to an adult is to minimize interruptions in compressions. Continuous chest compressions are critical for maintaining circulation and ensuring that blood flow is effectively delivered to vital organs during cardiac arrest. Each time compressions are interrupted—whether to give rescue breaths, check for a pulse, or move the patient—the heart is deprived of the necessary blood flow that could be lifesaving.

Research indicates that the quality and continuity of chest compressions directly influence the likelihood of survival. Therefore, it’s essential to keep interruptions to a minimum, ideally limiting them to less than 10 seconds. This focus on continuous compressions helps maintain perfusion pressure in the coronary arteries and ultimately increases the chances of a successful resuscitation when advanced help arrives.

Promoting effective teamwork, especially in a two-rescuer scenario, can help ensure that one rescuer is always compressing while the other can handle the airway or assist as needed, further supporting the goal of minimizing interruptions.