What is the maximum duration for interruptions in chest compressions during CPR?

In CPR, maintaining chest compressions is crucial for effective blood circulation, particularly when dealing with a cardiac arrest situation. The goal is to minimize interruptions to these compressions as much as possible.

The maximum duration for interruptions in chest compressions is ideally less than 10 seconds. This time frame ensures that there’s a continuous flow of blood to vital organs, especially the heart and brain, which need constant oxygen supply. Longer interruptions increase the likelihood of fatal outcomes.

While some might think that slightly longer interruptions may still be acceptable, research and guidelines support this 10-second threshold as the best practice for maximizing the likelihood of survival and maintaining perfusion to critical areas of the body before further intervention occurs. Thus, choosing less than 10 seconds as the maximum duration for chest compression interruptions reflects this understanding and prioritization of effective CPR techniques.