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:
For effective and high-quality CPR, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to maximize the chances of survival for the victim. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that chest compressions be provided at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, with a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults. This should be done continuously without interruption, unless for essential reasons such as giving rescue breaths or switching roles between CPR providers.
When performing CPR for an extended period, fatigue becomes a significant concern for the rescuer, leading to a decrease in compression quality. Fatigue can cause slower compressions, reduced depth, and less effective blood circulation, which ultimately lowers the likelihood of the victim surviving. This is why it is recommended that rescuers switch off giving compressions approximately every 2 minutes. By switching every 2 minutes, each provider has a brief chance to recover, maintaining the required rate and depth of compressions.
In a multi-provider setting, it is essential for rescuers to communicate effectively and be prepared to switch roles. When one provider becomes fatigued or unable to maintain adequate compression quality, the other provider can take over. This switch should be done quickly and with minimal disruption to the CPR cycle to maintain blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart.
If only one provider is available to perform CPR, they must continue until medical professionals arrive or an automated external defibrillator (AED) becomes available. In the case of fatigue, if the person performing compressions is not able to continue at the required level, it is important to prioritize switching off or pausing as soon as possible to avoid diminishing the quality of compressions.
