If an adult patient becomes unresponsive while attempting to clear an obstructed airway, what should you do after 30 compressions?

When an adult patient becomes unresponsive while attempting to clear an obstructed airway, it is crucial to follow the appropriate sequence of actions according to BLS protocols. After delivering 30 chest compressions, the next step is to provide 2 rescue breaths, which aims to ventilate the patient’s lungs. This is particularly important in cases of unresponsiveness because it ensures that air is delivered to the lungs, which may improve oxygenation and increase the chances of reviving the patient.

Performing compressions is essential for maintaining blood circulation, while the rescue breaths are necessary to assist with respiration in the absence of normal breathing. This combination is a key element of high-quality CPR and aligns with the recommendations outlined in the BLS guidelines, ensuring that both circulation and ventilation are addressed during cardiac arrest or severe airway obstruction situations.