When to Stop Performing CPR
CPR should only be stopped when emergency medical professionals arrive or when it becomes physically impossible to continue. Recognizing the signs that indicate you should stop can help save lives, reduce your risk of injury, and ensure the person receives the best possible care.
In this article, we’ll walk you through several key situations where you should stop CPR and what you can do to manage the situation effectively.
Understanding the Signs of Recovery
When performing CPR, it’s important to monitor the victim for signs of recovery. These include:
- Movement: If the person begins to move or shows signs of responsiveness, such as twitching or opening their eyes, this may indicate that their heart is starting to pump blood on its own again.
- Breathing: If the person starts breathing on their own, this is another sign that their body is recovering.
- Coughing: A person who is coughing may be starting to breathe again and may no longer need CPR.
Once these signs of life appear, stop CPR but remain with the individual, monitoring their condition.
Do not leave the person unattended until medical professionals have arrived to take over. Visit CPR Certification Newark for more on the proper techniques for monitoring a victim’s recovery.
When Emergency Responders Arrive
Once emergency medical responders arrive, you should immediately stop performing CPR. These professionals are trained to assess the situation and use advanced equipment to continue care.
By relinquishing your efforts to them, you help ensure that the person receives the correct treatment. They will also have the support of additional team members, which can make a critical difference in the person’s outcome.
For more information on what to do when emergency responders arrive, read: Essential Equipment For Effective CPR
Exhaustion: When You Can No Longer Perform CPR
CPR is physically demanding and requires stamina. If you become too tired to continue, it’s important to stop and seek help.
Continuing CPR while exhausted can reduce its effectiveness. Signs that you may need to stop include:
- Fatigue: If your arms or body feel too weak to maintain proper chest compressions, it’s time to stop.
- Shortness of breath: If you can no longer sustain your breathing, seek assistance immediately.
If there is no one else around to take over, focus on calling for professional help and keeping the victim’s airway clear.
Even if you cannot continue, you can still play a critical role in the situation. Learn how to properly manage fatigue during CPR by enrolling at CPR Certification Newark.
When the Victim Starts Breathing Normally
If the person begins to breathe normally, CPR should be stopped, even if they remain unconscious.
Normal breathing is a sign that the body is starting to stabilize. Here’s what you should do:
- Ensure the airway is clear: Make sure the person’s airway is open and unobstructed.
- Monitor their breathing: Even though the person is breathing, they should still be evaluated by a medical professional.
- Place them in the recovery position: If necessary, position the person on their side to prevent choking or aspiration.
Continue monitoring the individual until emergency services arrive.
For more on how to assess breathing and manage recovery, explore courses at CPR Certification Newark.
Assessing the Situation for Safety
Your safety should always be a top priority. If continuing CPR places you in a dangerous situation, such as in traffic or near a fire, you should stop and move to a safer area.
If moving the victim is not possible, your best option is to wait for emergency responders. Never risk your own life while performing CPR, as this could result in two victims instead of one.
Always be aware of your surroundings. If there is any threat to your safety, stop CPR and seek shelter. Find a safe environment and await professional help.
Learn more about performing safe CPR here.
Knowing When to Call for Help
You should call for emergency help as soon as possible after beginning CPR. If at any point, CPR becomes too challenging or the situation worsens, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Calling for medical professionals early improves the chances of survival. Once you call, continue with CPR until professionals arrive or until it becomes unsafe to do so.
If you’re unsure about the next steps, remember that trained emergency responders will be able to guide you. For information on when to call for help, check out CPR Certification Newark.
The Psychological Impact of Stopping CPR
Ending CPR can be an emotionally challenging decision, particularly if the person does not survive. However, it’s important to understand that stopping CPR at the right time is part of performing the best possible care. Trust in your training and know that you have done everything you could. Understanding the signs and knowing when to stop can help you feel more confident in your role as a responder. For additional support and training, visit CPR Certification Newark.
Final Thoughts
Stopping CPR is a difficult decision, but it’s important to know when to do so. Always prioritize the safety of both you and the victim. Once medical professionals arrive, or when you notice clear signs of recovery, it’s time to stop. Remember that continued education, such as enrolling in CPR certification courses with CPR Certification Newark, can help prepare you for these critical moments.
FAQ
What should I do if I am unsure whether to stop CPR?
If you are uncertain, continue CPR until emergency responders arrive. Call for professional help immediately, and if you feel fatigued, focus on calling for assistance while ensuring the person’s airway remains open. For more information on CPR guidelines, visit CPR Certification Newark.
How can I prepare for CPR situations?
The best way to prepare is by taking a CPR certification course. CPR Certification Newark offers comprehensive courses that teach you when and how to perform CPR safely and effectively.
When should I call for emergency assistance while performing CPR?
You should call for emergency help immediately after starting CPR, even if you’re unsure of the victim’s condition. The sooner help arrives, the better the chances of survival. For guidance on when to call, visit CPR Certification Newark.