When can you stop CPR?

Stopping CPR should be considered when emergency medical services arrive on the scene, when the patient shows signs of life, or when you physically cannot continue due to exhaustion or hazardous conditions. This protocol ensures that the patient receives the most appropriate and timely care possible.

The involvement of emergency medical services is crucial, as they can take over with advanced training and equipment. Recognizing signs of life, such as breathing or movement, indicates that the patient may be stabilizing, and continuing CPR would no longer be necessary. Additionally, acknowledging your physical ability to continue is vital; if you are too fatigued to provide effective compressions, the quality of care will diminish, making it appropriate to cease CPR when the situation demands it.

Other options do not align with established protocols, as stopping due to fatigue without ensuring medical assistance or the patient's status could lead to missed opportunities for revival. For instance, continuing until another trained rescuer arrives is good practice, but the crucial moments when a life may be saved rely on recognizing the signs of life or the intervention of advanced medical help. It's important to prioritize patient safety and effective care in these emergency situations.