What is the maximum interruption duration for any pause during CPR?

• A. 5 seconds
• B. 10 seconds
• C. 15 seconds
• D. 20 seconds

Answer: (B)

During CPR, keep chest compressions flowing as continuously as possible because stopping for even brief moments lets perfusion pressures fall, which hurts blood flow to the heart and brain. Ten seconds is the maximum duration allowed for any pause. This limit helps preserve coronary and cerebral perfusion between compressions, and longer interruptions are linked to worse outcomes, including reduced chances of return of spontaneous circulation and poorer neurological results. To meet this, plan tasks so rhythm analysis, defibrillation, airway management, and medication administration are completed within a short pause, often by performing actions while compressions are ongoing or by coordinating fast rotations of rescuers to keep hands off the chest to a minimum. In practice, aim for pauses no longer than ten seconds and strive to keep interruptions as brief as possible.