During high-quality CPR, rescuers typically pause chest compressions only briefly and when necessary for critical interventions. These pauses usually occur:

• To deliver rescue breaths after every 30 compressions if using a ventilation method.
• To analyze cardiac rhythm with an AED or a cardiac monitor, typically every 2 minutes or as needed, pausing for under 10 seconds.
• To deliver a defibrillation shock safely, pausing just long enough for the shock.
• To switch rescuers to prevent fatigue, aiming to minimize pause duration.
• To check for return of spontaneous circulation (signs of life such as movement or breathing) typically during rhythm checks.
• To manage airway issues like blockages if needed.

The goal is to keep pauses as short and infrequent as possible, ideally under 10 seconds, to maintain continuous blood flow to the brain and vital organs and maximize chances of survival.