When two providers are performing CPR, how often should you check the pulse and breathing?

In a scenario where two providers are performing CPR, checking for a pulse and breathing should occur every 2 minutes. This interval allows providers to monitor the patient’s condition without interrupting the CPR process for too long, enabling a balance between effective chest compressions and necessary assessments of the patient's status.

During CPR, it is crucial to maintain high-quality chest compressions, and frequent interruptions for pulse checks can hinder the effectiveness of the resuscitation efforts. The 2-minute mark corresponds with the recommended cycle of performing CPR, which often aligns with the recommendations for switching roles between providers to manage fatigue and maintain optimal compression depth and rate.

Thus, checking for a pulse and breathing every 2 minutes supports both the guidelines and the practical aspects of performing CPR in a systematic manner, ensuring that care is both thorough and efficient.