How long to continue cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be continued for three critical reasons:

1. Restoring blood circulation and breathing: The ultimate goal of CPR is to restore spontaneous circulation and breathing. When a person's heart stops beating and they are not breathing, brain damage can begin within minutes. CPR provides artificial ventilation and chest compressions to keep blood circulating and oxygen flowing to vital organs, thus increasing the chances of successful resuscitation.

2. Avoiding further harm: CPR can help prevent additional damage to the brain and other organs by maintaining oxygen and blood flow. Proper technique minimizes the risk of causing unnecessary injuries during the resuscitation process.

3. Bridging the gap to professional medical care: CPR is considered a temporary measure until emergency medical services (EMS) professionals arrive. By continuing CPR until medical help is available, you can improve the person's chances of survival and increase their likelihood of a positive outcome.

Here's a simplified breakdown of how long CPR should be continued:

1. For an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, continue CPR until:

- The person shows signs of life (e.g., breathing, moving)

- An automated external defibrillator (AED) is available and ready to use

- Emergency medical services (EMS) arrive and take over

- You are exhausted and physically unable to continue

2. For an in-hospital cardiac arrest, follow the specific protocols and guidelines established by the medical facility's resuscitation team. These protocols may include continuing CPR until:

- The person regains a pulse and starts breathing

- A decision is made to end resuscitation efforts based on medical criteria (e.g., irreversible signs of death)

It's essential to continue CPR until professional medical care is available, as it can significantly improve the chances of successful resuscitation and long-term recovery.