What happens to chest compressions when an advanced airway is in place?

When an advanced airway is in place, chest compressions continue without pauses. This approach is critical because, with an advanced airway such as an endotracheal tube, the rescuers can provide effective ventilation while maintaining continuous chest compressions. The uninterrupted compressions help to ensure adequate blood flow to vital organs during the resuscitation effort.

Typically, during CPR without an advanced airway, rescuers alternate between compressions and breaths, but having an advanced airway allows for simultaneous breathing and compressions, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the resuscitation process. This technique is essential, as it helps maintain circulation and oxygenation without the detrimental physiological effects that can arise from stopping compressions for breaths.