Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

When should you stop performing CPR?

1. When the victim starts breathing normally.

2. When EMS personnel arrive and take over.

3. When you become too exhausted to continue.

4. All of the above.

The correct answer is: All of the above.

Stopping CPR must be done with careful consideration of the situation. The decision to cease performing CPR is valid in several circumstances, all of which underscore the health and safety of both the victim and the rescuer. When the victim starts to breathe normally, it indicates a vital sign of recovery and necessitates stopping CPR to monitor their condition and ensure that they are stable. This shows that the efforts made during CPR have been effective. The arrival of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel is another critical moment for stopping CPR. Once trained professionals take over, they have the tools and knowledge to provide advanced care, allowing you to safely discontinue your efforts. Exhaustion is an important factor as well. If the rescuer becomes too fatigued to continue, their ability to perform CPR effectively diminishes. In such scenarios, it is essential to prioritize both the rescuer's safety and the quality of care being provided. By recognizing any of these conditions, it is vital to appropriately assess and decide when to discontinue CPR, making option D correct.