When is it appropriate to stop CPR?

• A. When the rescuer is tired
• B. When emergency medical services arrive
• C. When the victim shows signs of breathing
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Stopping CPR follows changes in the situation. You should discontinue chest compressions when any of these conditions occur: the person starts showing signs of life, such as normal breathing or purposeful movement; trained responders or emergency medical services arrive and take over the resuscitation; or the rescuer becomes too exhausted to continue safely and effectively.

If the person begins to breathe or move, you stop CPR and monitor, because restoring and maintaining their own breathing is the next focus. When EMS arrives, they assume control, so you stop compressions and hand over care. And high-quality CPR is demanding; if you’re too tired to continue delivering effective compressions, it’s appropriate to pause briefly to switch with another trained rescuer or stop if no one is available.

Because each of these scenarios is a legitimate reason to stop, the best answer is that all of the above are valid.