In CPR, when should chest compressions be stopped?

In CPR, when should chest compressions be stopped?

• A. When the patient starts breathing
• B. When you become exhausted
• C. After 2 minutes
• D. When first responders arrive

Answer: (D)

In CPR, you keep chest compressions going until someone with higher training arrives to take over. When first responders arrive, they can assume responsibility and continue care with their equipment and protocols, so handing off to them by stopping chest compressions is the appropriate moment to pause. This helps ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted ongoing support for the patient. Other reasons to stop or change care do exist in real situations—for example, if the patient starts breathing normally or a pulse returns, you would stop compressions and reassess; or if you become exhausted and a trained rescuer takes over. But the moment responders arrive to take over is when the handoff occurs.

In CPR, you keep chest compressions going until someone with higher training arrives to take over. When first responders arrive, they can assume responsibility and continue care with their equipment and protocols, so handing off to them by stopping chest compressions is the appropriate moment to pause. This helps ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted ongoing support for the patient.

Other reasons to stop or change care do exist in real situations—for example, if the patient starts breathing normally or a pulse returns, you would stop compressions and reassess; or if you become exhausted and a trained rescuer takes over. But the moment responders arrive to take over is when the handoff occurs.