How is the effectiveness of CPR assessed?

Assessing the effectiveness of CPR is primarily done by monitoring the victim's pulse and breathing. During CPR, the key goal is to restore circulation and ensure that oxygen is being delivered to the vital organs. When performing chest compressions, rescuers should periodically check for signs of effective circulation, which includes the presence of a pulse and the return of effective breathing.

If there is a return of pulse and breathing, it indicates that the CPR is effective and that the heart may have resumed its normal function. This is critical because the ultimate aim is to get the heart pumping blood effectively again. Assessing by these physiological signs gives immediate feedback regarding the success of the intervention.

Although the elapsed time and feedback from bystanders can provide context for the response to the emergency, they do not directly indicate the physiological effectiveness of the CPR being administered. Similarly, while changes in muscle tension can be indicative of certain conditions, they are not a reliable measure of CPR effectiveness. Therefore, monitoring the victim's pulse and breathing remains the most direct and indicative method for assessing the effectiveness of CPR.