How often should rescuers switch positions during CPR to avoid fatigue?

Switching positions every 2 minutes during CPR is recommended to prevent fatigue among rescuers, which can impact the quality of chest compressions. Continuous high-quality compressions are critical for maintaining blood flow to the vital organs when a person is in cardiac arrest.

By changing positions every 2 minutes, rescuers ensure that they can maintain an adequate level of strength and focus, thereby sustaining the effectiveness of their compressions. Research and guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association emphasize that fatigue can lead to slower and less effective compressions, ultimately decreasing the chances of survival for the patient.

This practice of switching out allows rescuers to rotate effectively, ensuring that at least one person is providing strong, effective chest compressions at all times while the other recovers briefly before resuming their role.