It is unknown when the optimum time for an advanced airway to be placed during resuscitation but should be guided by clinical judgment. There is no prospective research that definitively evaluates this question, and the data appears mixed. While some studies show a benefit to intubation within 5–12 minutes, there is evidence that intubation is associated with worse survival. 

Placement of an advanced airway abolishes the need to interrupt chest compressions for breath delivery and allows qualitative waveform capnography for evaluating CPR quality. On the other hand, it interrupts compressions during placement and has a risk of adverse effects such as esophageal intubation and trauma.

Responders can place supraglottic airways while chest compressions are in progress. Once the advanced airway is in place, chest compressions are delivered continuously at 100–120 per minute without interruption for breaths. Breaths or ventilations are given at a rate of 1 breath every 6 seconds while avoiding overventilation.