Which approach best describes proper ventilation during CPR for an adult when a second rescuer is present?

• A. One rescuer providing continuous chest compressions while the other performs ventilation with a bag-valve mask
• B. A single rescuer providing both compressions and ventilations
• C. Ventilating only after compressions stop
• D. Ventilating every 60 seconds

Answer: (A)

Maintaining continuous chest compressions while another rescuer provides ventilations keeps blood flow to the heart and brain from dropping. With two rescuers, one can keep compressions going without interruptions, and the other can deliver breaths using a bag-valve mask at about one breath every 6 seconds (roughly 10 breaths per minute). This approach maximizes perfusion by avoiding pauses for breaths and ensures oxygen delivery continues. A single rescuer doing both tasks would fatigue and end up pausing compressions more often; ventilating only after compressions stop or ventilating too infrequently would likewise reduce oxygen delivery and cerebral/heart perfusion. Proper two-person BVM technique and appropriate tidal volumes help avoid issues like gastric inflation and overventilation, supporting effective resuscitation.