In embodiments, a CPR chest compression system includes a retention structure that can retain the patient's body, and a compression mechanism that can perform automatically CPR compressions and releases to the patient's chest. The compression mechanism can pause the performing of the CPR compressions for a short time, so that an attendant can check the patient. The CPR system also includes a user interface that can output a human-perceptible check patient prompt, to alert an attendant to check the patient during the pause. An advantage can be when the attendant checks in situations where the condition of the patient might have changed, and an adjustment is needed. Or in situations where the patient may have improved enough to where the compressions are no longer needed.