For one-rescuer CPR, how many chest compressions should be performed per cycle?

In one-rescuer CPR, the guideline is to perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This ratio is established to ensure that there is adequate blood circulation to vital organs while also providing oxygenation. The process of delivering 30 compressions allows the rescuer to effectively pump blood from the heart to the rest of the body at a rate that helps to maintain perfusion until advanced medical help can arrive. This method emphasizes a balance between compressions and ventilations, focusing on quickly providing a series of compressions to maximize blood flow.

The other options suggest incorrect amounts of compressions per cycle, which would not align with current CPR standards. For example, 15 compressions would not provide enough circulation to sustain life effectively, and values such as 20 or 40 do not reflect the recognized guidelines, potentially compromising the effectiveness of the resuscitation effort. Staying aware of the correct technique and the recommended number of compressions is crucial in a real-life emergency scenario.