How often should two providers change positions during CPR to prevent fatigue?

Changing positions every 2 minutes during CPR is recommended to prevent fatigue and ensure effective compressions. When performing CPR, particularly with chest compressions, maintaining high-quality compressions is crucial for circulation and increasing the chances of survival. Over time, even trained providers can become fatigued, which may lead to a decrease in the depth and rate of compressions, thereby reducing their effectiveness.

By switching positions every 2 minutes, providers can sustain their energy levels and maintain the recommended rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute with adequate depth and recoil. This guideline helps ensure that one provider can always deliver effective compressions while the other takes a brief rest, thereby maximizing the overall effectiveness of the CPR being provided. Regularly changing positions also helps to keep the team fresh and alert, ultimately enhancing the quality of care given to the patient in need of resuscitation.