Final answer:
The maximum interval for pausing chest compressions during CPR is less than 10 seconds to ensure continuous blood flow, especially to the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), maintaining continuous chest compressions is critical. Interruptions should be minimized to maintain blood flow, particularly to the brain, to prevent irreversible damage. The American Heart Association recommends that pauses in chest compressions, for instance to check for a pulse or to allow for an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) analysis, should generally be less than 10 seconds.
Longer pauses can negatively affect the survival outcome, as the chance of reviving a person decreases with prolonged interruptions. Effective CPR should involve compressions that are at least 5 cm deep and at a rate of about 100 compressions per minute with as few interruptions as possible.