When should bystanders stop performing CPR?

The appropriate moment for bystanders to cease CPR is when emergency personnel arrive or the individual demonstrates signs of life. This ensures that the individual receives the necessary care from professionals who can take over and provide advanced medical support. Signs of life may include movement, breathing, or coughing, indicating that the person is regaining consciousness. Recognizing these signs is crucial, as it means that the person has a chance of recovery and further intervention is warranted.

Continuing CPR until professional help arrives or until the victim shows signs of life upholds the primary purpose of this life-saving technique, which is to maintain circulation and oxygenation until more advanced care can be provided. The other scenarios, such as fatigue of the rescuer, arbitrary time limits, or the presence of others, do not align with the urgency needed in emergency situations. Therefore, the focus should always remain on the condition of the victim and the arrival of trained emergency medical responders.