Having two trained rescuers can significantly improve the chances of survival in cardiac emergencies. One rescuer can focus on delivering high-quality chest compressions, while the other manages rescue breaths and operates the AED. This teamwork ensures continuous, effective care and minimizes interruptions in life-saving efforts. By coordinating their actions, two rescuers can work more efficiently, reducing fatigue and improving the overall quality of CPR. Understanding each rescuer’s role and following proper CPR and AED procedures can make a critical difference in saving a life. Here’s exactly what to do when two people are providing CPR and using an AED.
Exact Steps to Follow When Two People Are Performing CPR and Using an AED
When two rescuers are available, they should work together to provide high-quality CPR while using an AED as soon as possible. By working as a team, rescuers can maintain effective CPR without interruptions, reduce fatigue, and provide the best possible care for the person in need. Follow these steps to ensure the best care when two people are providing first aid to a person who needs CPR and an AED:
1. Check for Responsiveness
Tap the person and shout loudly to see if they respond. If there is no movement, sound, or normal breathing, they may need CPR.
2. Call for Emergency Help
One rescuer should immediately call 911 (or the local emergency number) and retrieve an AED, while the other prepares to begin chest compressions.
3. Start High-Quality Chest Compressions
The first rescuer should kneel beside the person and begin compressions at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 per minute, allowing full recoil after each compression.
4. Give Rescue Breaths
The second rescuer should use a barrier device or bag-mask to deliver two breaths after every 30 compressions, ensuring the chest rises with each breath.
5. Use an AED as Soon as Possible
The second rescuer should power on the AED, apply the pads to the person’s bare chest, and follow the voice prompts while CPR continues uninterrupted.
6. Pause for AED Analysis and Shock Delivery
When the AED instructs, rescuers should ensure no one is touching the person before delivering a shock. If no shock is advised, resume CPR immediately.
7. Continue CPR and Switch Roles Every 2 Minutes
To prevent fatigue and maintain effective compressions, rescuers should switch roles every two minutes while keeping interruptions as short as possible.
Role Distribution Between Two Rescuers
In a two-rescuer scenario, each rescuer has a critical and complementary role in providing effective CPR. Clear role distribution helps ensure that life-saving actions are continuous and that no one rescuer becomes overly fatigued. Here’s how the roles are divided:
Rescuer 1 (Compressions)
Rescuer 1 is responsible for performing chest compressions continuously, They should ensure that compressions are at least 2 inches deep and at a rate of 100-120 per minute, allowing full recoil between compressions for optimal blood circulation.
Rescuer 2 (Breaths & AED)
Rescuer 2 focuses on delivering rescue breaths after every 30 compressions and is responsible for retrieving and using the AED. They apply the AED pads, follow the device’s voice prompts, and manage its analysis while monitoring the patient’s condition.
Rescuers should switch roles every two minutes to prevent fatigue, which can compromise the quality of compressions. This approach helps maintain effective CPR and increases the chance of survival.
Proper Use of an AED in a Two-Rescuer Scenario
The AED should be used as soon as it arrives to maximize the chances of survival. AED improve the chances of survival by helping restore a normal heart rhythm. In a two rescuer scenario, it’s the role of the second rescuer to properly operate the AED while the first rescuer continues CPR. Here’s how to use the AED in this situation:
1. Turn on the AED Immediately
As soon as the AED is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts to guide you through the process.
2. Apply the Pads Correctly
Place one pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side of the person’s chest. Make sure the pads are placed firmly on the skin to ensure proper contact.
3. Ensure No One Is Touching the Patient
Before delivering a shock, make sure that no one is touching the patient. The AED will prompt you to clear the area to avoid injury during shock delivery.
4. Resume CPR After the Shock (If Advised by the AED)
If the AED delivers a shock, immediately resume CPR as instructed by the device. Continue CPR for about two minutes until the AED reanalyzes or until emergency help arrives.
Importance of Switching Roles to Prevent Fatigue
Performing chest compressions is physically demanding, and fatigue can set in quickly, reducing compression quality. To ensure effective CPR, rescuers should switch roles every two minutes or sooner if needed. A smooth transition helps maintain consistent depth and rate, preventing interruptions in blood circulation. By working as a team and planning role changes in advance, rescuers can provide high-quality compressions, increasing the chances of survival for the patient.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Two-Person CPR and AED Use
You have to avoid common mistakes that could hinder the effectiveness of life-saving efforts while performing CPR and using an AED in a two-rescuer scenario. These errors can decrease the chances of survival, so it’s important to be aware of them and follow proper procedures. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Not switching roles frequently enough, leading to poor compression quality.
- Pausing CPR for too long while setting up the AED or delivering breaths.
- Failing to clear the patient before delivering a shock, risking injury to rescuers.
- Placing AED pads incorrectly, which can interfere with shock delivery.
- Not monitoring the patient’s response to the AED.
- Not using a barrier device for rescue breaths.
Conclusion
When two rescuers work together during a CPR and AED situation, it improves the chances of survival. By clearly dividing tasks, where one performs chest compressions and the other manages breaths and the AED, you can maintain uninterrupted, high-quality care. This approach ensures that you are providing the best possible help in critical moments.
To be ready for real-life emergencies, enroll in a CPR training course with Heart Start CPR. Our expert-led courses will help you to increase the likelihood of saving lives when every second counts.
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