Kirron arrived and took over compressions. To ensure high-quality CPR, providers should switch off giving compressions every 2 minutes or sooner if the provider giving compressions is fatigued.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The key to high-quality CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is ensuring that chest compressions are continuous and effective. Research shows that the most crucial factor for survival in a cardiac arrest situation is the prompt initiation of high-quality chest compressions. These compressions help maintain blood circulation to vital organs, especially the brain and heart, until more advanced medical help arrives.
It’s recommended that CPR providers switch roles every two minutes or sooner if the person giving chest compressions becomes fatigued. This is essential for maintaining the effectiveness of the compressions. The reason for this is that compressions require physical strength, and after two minutes of continuous compressions, the provider may experience muscle fatigue, leading to a reduction in the depth, rate, or quality of compressions. Fatigue can also result in a decreased ability to provide proper chest recoil, which is another critical component of high-quality CPR.
High-quality CPR involves maintaining a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) and a compression rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Providers should allow for complete chest recoil after each compression to ensure that blood can refill the heart chambers properly. If the compressions become shallow or slow due to fatigue, blood flow to the heart and brain can be compromised, reducing the chances of survival.
In practice, the person performing compressions should switch with another trained provider at regular intervals—every two minutes or earlier if necessary—to maintain optimal performance. This routine helps prevent fatigue from impacting the CPR quality, thereby improving the chances of a successful resuscitation.
Thus, the importance of switching off compressions every 2 minutes or sooner cannot be overstated. It ensures continuous, high-quality chest compressions and increases the likelihood of survival in cardiac arrest situations.
