How often should rescuers switch during CPR to maintain quality?

How often should rescuers switch during CPR to maintain quality?

• A. About every 2 minutes or when fatigue reduces compression depth.
• B. Every 30 seconds
• C. Only when the victim begins coughing
• D. After 5 minutes of CPR

Answer: (A)

Maintaining high-quality CPR hinges on keeping chest compressions deep and fast. Fatigue naturally reduces compression depth, which lowers blood flow to the heart and brain. Switching about every two minutes gives rescuers a chance to reset technique, restore depth and rate, and reduce the drop in effectiveness that comes with tiredness. If you notice the depth slipping as you tire, switch sooner to keep perfusion steady. Transitions should be quick and smooth to avoid lengthy interruptions in blood flow. Alternatives don’t fit because switching every 30 seconds creates unnecessary breaks in compression, waiting for a victim to cough isn’t relevant during unresponsive CPR, and waiting five minutes before switching lets fatigue degrade performance well before the switch occurs.

Maintaining high-quality CPR hinges on keeping chest compressions deep and fast. Fatigue naturally reduces compression depth, which lowers blood flow to the heart and brain. Switching about every two minutes gives rescuers a chance to reset technique, restore depth and rate, and reduce the drop in effectiveness that comes with tiredness. If you notice the depth slipping as you tire, switch sooner to keep perfusion steady. Transitions should be quick and smooth to avoid lengthy interruptions in blood flow.

Alternatives don’t fit because switching every 30 seconds creates unnecessary breaks in compression, waiting for a victim to cough isn’t relevant during unresponsive CPR, and waiting five minutes before switching lets fatigue degrade performance well before the switch occurs.