How should CPR be continued until the rapid response team arrives?

Continuing CPR until there are signs of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is crucial because it ensures that blood is still being circulated to vital organs while awaiting the arrival of advanced medical personnel. The primary goal of CPR is to maintain perfusion to the heart and brain to prevent irreversible damage. Signs of ROSC can include the normalization of heart rhythms, improved pulse, or spontaneous breathing.

By maintaining efforts until these signs appear, you maximize the chance of survival and recovery for the patient. It is important to note that CPR should not be halted unless a trained medical professional arrives to take over or if the clinician observes a clear sign of life, such as a pulse. This practice is rooted in the understanding that every moment counts in a cardiac emergency, and minimizing interruptions in chest compressions maximizes the efficacy of the resuscitation efforts.

While cycling through providers every few minutes can be beneficial during prolonged resuscitation efforts to prevent fatigue, the key principle in this scenario remains the continuation of CPR until there are clear signs of ROSC. Thus, the choice to continue CPR until those signs are observed is paramount in effective emergency response.