A 67-year-old man is found unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse. You and a second rescuer begin performing high-quality CPR. When should rescuers switch positions during CPR?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Correct Answer: Rescuers should switch positions every 2 minutes during CPR.
Explanation:
When performing high-quality CPR on a 67-year-old man who is unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse, it’s essential to minimize interruptions in chest compressions. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends rescuers switch positions every 2 minutes, or after every 5 cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths, to maintain effective chest compression quality. Here’s why:
- Fatigue and Compression Quality: High-quality chest compressions require consistent depth, rate, and recoil. Rescuers may experience fatigue, especially when performing CPR for extended periods. Fatigue can lead to a decrease in compression depth and rate, reducing the effectiveness of CPR. Switching every 2 minutes allows one rescuer to rest while the other continues compressions, ensuring that the compressions remain at the optimal depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Minimizing Interruptions: Each time rescuers switch roles, it’s important to do so efficiently to minimize interruptions in chest compressions. Delays in compressions can lead to reduced circulation, which is detrimental to the patient’s survival chances. Therefore, efficient switching is crucial, and it should take less than 10 seconds to make the change.
- Team Coordination: Effective communication between the rescuers is key to ensuring a smooth switch. By having a pre-established plan (e.g., verbal cues or hand signals), rescuers can work together seamlessly. This teamwork can prevent unnecessary delays and maintain the high-quality CPR needed for the best possible outcome.
- Advanced Care: Switching rescuers every 2 minutes also allows the second rescuer to prepare for possible advanced care interventions, such as defibrillation, if needed. This enables the team to maintain readiness for any changes in the situation.
In summary, switching every 2 minutes optimizes the effectiveness of chest compressions and reduces fatigue, ultimately improving the patient’s chances of survival.