What constitutes one cycle of compressions and breaths in CPR for an adult?

One cycle of compressions and breaths in CPR for an adult consists of 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This pattern is established to ensure effective circulation and oxygenation during cardiac arrest situations. The 30 compressions are crucial because they help maintain blood flow to vital organs, such as the heart and brain, by manually pumping blood through the body. The following 2 rescue breaths provide the necessary oxygen that may be lacking due to the person not breathing.

This sequence facilitates a balance between chest compressions, which keep circulation going, and artificial ventilation, which supplies oxygen, thus improving the chances of survival until professional help arrives or until an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be utilized.