How often should responders switch roles to maintain effective CPR?

The recommendation to switch roles every 2 minutes during CPR is based on the need to prevent fatigue among rescuers while ensuring continuous, high-quality compressions and ventilations. CPR can be physically demanding, and as fatigue sets in, the quality of compressions can deteriorate, leading to less effective blood flow to vital organs.

By switching every 2 minutes, responders can provide a fresh set of hands to maintain the necessary rhythm and depth of compressions, which is critical for the survival of the patient. This time frame also aligns with the use of a rhythm check in some resuscitation protocols, allowing the team to reassess the patient's condition effectively. Maintaining a consistent and effective effort is paramount in a resuscitation scenario, making the 2-minute interval an optimal approach to safeguard against fatigue.