What To Do When You Start to Fatigue During CPR

If you are starting to fatigue while performing chest compressions, what should you do?

• A. Continue until the code team arrives.
• B. Switch off compressions when the AED analyzes again.
• C. Take a break until someone else takes over.
• D. Reduce the compression depth.

Answer: (B)

When performing chest compressions, maintaining high-quality compressions is critical for the effectiveness of CPR. If you start to fatigue, it's essential to ensure that compressions are delivered continuously and at the recommended rate and depth. Switching off compressions when the AED analyzes provides a logical approach, as it allows a second rescuer, if present, to step in and take over. This ensures that high-quality compressions are maintained without unnecessary interruptions in circulation. The AED will prompt for analysis and may also advise a shock, allowing for a clear moment to switch compressors. This method promotes teamwork and emphasizes the importance of regularly rotating rescuers to counteract fatigue, ensuring that the compressions remain effective throughout the resuscitation efforts. In contrast, continuing until the code team arrives could lead to diminished compression quality, particularly if the responder fatigues significantly. Taking a break until someone else takes over is not advisable, as it may lead to interruptions in chest compressions, which could adversely affect the patient's chances of survival. Reducing compression depth compromises the effectiveness of CPR, making it less likely to generate adequate blood flow.

What To Do When You Start to Fatigue During CPR

So, you’re in a high-pressure situation: someone’s life is on the line, and you’ve been performing chest compressions for what feels like an eternity. Soon enough, fatigue is starting to creep in, and you’re left wondering, what’s the best move?

The Right Move: Timing Is Key

You know what? When performing CPR, quality trumps quantity. The most important thing is to maintain high-quality compressions at the recommended rate and depth. If you’re starting to feel that fatigue kicking in — and who could blame you? — you must find a strategy to continue providing the best care possible.

Here’s the thing: When you begin to feel tired, your compressions might not be as effective. This can lead to decreased blood flow (and we definitely don’t want that). Instead of pushing through until you’re completely wiped out, look for a moment when the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) prompts for analysis. This is the ideal time to switch off compressions.

Why Swap Off?

Swapping off compressions during the AED analysis allows another rescuer to jump in and take over without skipping a beat. You see, the AED not only analyzes the heart rhythm but may also advise you to deliver a shock if necessary.

This moment is crucial because it promotes teamwork. Think about it: rotating rescuers helps keep everyone fresh and ensures high-quality CPR can be maintained. Plus, it’s just good practice to look out for each other in intense situations.

What About Just Powering Through?

You may think, “Why not just keep going until the code team arrives?” Well, here’s the kicker: continuing compressions while extremely fatigued often leads to diminished quality. If the responder runs out of steam completely, the CPR will falter, and that’s something no one wants to see happen.

Taking a break without someone to take over is a recipe for disaster. It leads to critical interruptions in compressions that can severely impact a patient’s chance of survival. Plus, reducing compression depth? Forget it! That’s a surefire way to ensure that your efforts won’t generate adequate blood flow.

Conclusion

When faced with CPR, being sharp is crucial. Whenever you start feeling tired, remember the importance of teamwork. Being proactive and switching off during AED analysis can make all the difference, allowing continuous high-quality compressions to keep the patient’s chances alive. So, the next time you find yourself in this situation, stay calm, and abide by these guidelines to maximize your potential impact!