What Comes After Chest Compressions in BLS?

When it comes to Basic Life Support (BLS), knowing the right steps can mean the difference between life and death. After Jenna performs 30 chest compressions, what should her team do next? You might think it’s just a matter of a quick glance around, but it's crucial to know the right move to make—and that’s precisely what we’re diving into.

Here’s the thing: after 30 chest compressions, it’s essential for the team to give 2 rescue breaths. Chest compressions act like the heartbeat of the CPR process—keeping blood circulating to vital organs, but guess what? They don’t oxygenate the blood. This is where rescue breaths swoop in, delivering that much-needed oxygen to the lungs.

Now, you might wonder, “What if I look in the patient’s mouth first?” Well, that’s only applicable in specific scenarios, like if the person is choking. In a standard BLS situation, your order is clear: compressions come first, then breaths. Opening the patient's mouth to check for an obstruction isn’t the immediate next step after compressions.

Speaking of steps, let’s talk about reassessing the patient. Sure, you want to keep an eye on them, but not before giving those breaths! Reassessing can wait momentarily; the CPR rhythm is vital—30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, and repeat as necessary until help arrives—or the person starts breathing again. It’s like a dance you’ve got to stay in time with.

And now, performing abdominal thrusts? That’s a whole other ballgame. That only comes into play if there’s a choking hazard. In cases of choking, your energies need to shift from CPR into dealing with that obstruction, but let’s keep our focus on CPR for now.

To put it all together: when you’re in that high-pressure situation, remembering this sequence can be your lifeline. Picture this—you’re in a room, tension high, someone’s unresponsive. You start your compressions. Then you shift gears to rescue breaths. Maintaining this flow not only keeps circulation going but also ensures the body's getting oxygen, and that’s super crucial until emergency medical services can step in.

So, remember, the next time you’re practicing for your BLS exam or in a training class, keep that sequence in mind. It could very well be the rhythm that saves someone’s life! Stay sharp, stay prepared—and let’s keep honing those life-saving strategies!