New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

During 2 rescuer infant CPR with an advanced airway in place, when should ventilations be delivered?

1. Before compressions

2. Only after 5 compressions

3. Any time during the compressions cycle

4. Only after checking for a pulse

The correct answer is: Any time during the compressions cycle

In a two-rescuer infant CPR scenario where an advanced airway is in place, ventilations can be delivered anytime during the compression cycle. The presence of an advanced airway, such as an endotracheal tube, allows for continuous chest compressions while simultaneously providing ventilations without the need to pause compressions. This method is effective because it helps maintain blood circulation while ensuring that the infant receives adequate oxygenation through the ventilations. Delivering ventilations anytime during compressions maximizes blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs, which is critical in a cardiac arrest situation. The rescuer can coordinate the timing of ventilations with the compressions to achieve the best possible outcome. In contrast, the other options suggest either pausing compressions or timing ventilations in a less effective manner, which could interrupt circulation and delay oxygen delivery to the infant’s critical systems. Such interruptions can be detrimental, especially in emergency situations where every second counts.