How frequently should providers switch roles during CPR?

Switching roles in CPR is critical to maintain high-quality compressions and reduce fatigue among rescuers. The recommended interval for changing roles is every 2 minutes. This timeframe aligns with the guidelines set by resuscitation organizations, which emphasize the importance of allowing each provider to rest and recover while maintaining effective compressions.

After 2 minutes of performing chest compressions, exhaustion can significantly decrease the quality and effectiveness of compressions. A fresh rescuer stepping in ensures that compressions are delivered at the correct depth and rate, which is vital for improving the chances of survival for the patient.

While options like every 1 minute may seem frequent enough, it does not provide adequate time for a rescuer to sustain performance and may lead to unnecessary interruptions in the CPR process. Longer intervals, such as every 5 or 10 minutes, allow for greater fatigue to set in, compromising the efficiency of the lifesaving efforts. Therefore, the optimal strategy is to change providers every 2 minutes to maintain the effectiveness of CPR.