Performing CPR is an exhausting task. Most people become exhausted after about 10 minutes into CPR. Rescuer fatigue results in inadequate compression depths and rates. That’s why the ideal option in cases where two trained persons are present at the emergency scene is to perform a two-person CPR.
The two-person resuscitation method involves two people simultaneously performing the CPR. Here, we will shed light on what is a two-person CPR method, and also explain in what situations should the resuscitation method be used.
About the Two-Person CPR Method
In case a heart attack victim is not breathing, resuscitation procedure should be initiated immediately. If there are two trained personnel present at the scene, they should coordinate to perform chest compressions.
In the two-person resuscitation, rescuers switch positions after about every two minutes. One of the rescuers is positioned near the chest area while the other one is positioned near the head of the victim. This position allows quick position changing.
Switching regularly and quickly ensures that the depth and the rate of compressions are adequate. The two-person resuscitation method allows rescuers to continue performing CPR for hours until medical help arrives.
Important Consideration when Performing CPR
When performing two-person CPR, rescuers should change positions in a way that the rhythm of the compressions are not changed. That’s why the rescuer who not performing the CPR should stand near the head of the victim. This allows quick position changing without any interruption in the rhythm.
The person who is not performing CPR should monitor the condition of the victim by checking the pulse regularly. Checking the pulse is important to assess the effectiveness of chest compressions of the partner. Also, the pulse is checked to find out whether the victim has resumed breathing. Chest compressions should be stopped when the victim starts breathing again.
Finally, the person who is performing CPR should say ‘switch’ when it’s the other rescuer’s turn. This gives the other rescuer to get into position to perform CPR.
What’s the Best Way to Learn About CPR?
The best way to learn about the life saving skill is to take CPR online classes. Taking online classes is more convenient for people who don’t have the time to attend class-room based courses. Individuals can learn about the life saving technique at their own pace without making any changes in their busy schedules.
Enrolling in online CPR classes is cost-effective as well. You will generally have to pay a lot less to get a CPR certification online as compared to getting the certification by enrolling in a classroom based course.
Taking the time to learn about the emergency technique is worth it in the end. You will be able to provide timely assistance to individuals who have suffered from a heart attack and will be able to save lives.
Updated May 2018
When we have a situation that calls for CPR we need to act immediately and efficiently.
There are two methods to perform CPR:
Single rescuer CPR is also known as one-rescuer CPR or one-person CPR. When you have a partner, you may also hear it as two-rescuer CPR or two-person CPR.
2-Rescuer CPR Between the two methods, 2-rescuer CPR is more efficient due to one person performing compressions and another is giving breaths, it's not as tiring and there's less of a delay between compressions and breaths. Therefore, it's more efficient and it's more effective. If there are two rescuers available, here's how to decide what type of CPR to perform. If both people have been trained in how to perform 2-rescuer CPR, and there is someone else available to call 911, then 2-rescuer CPR is preferable. If there isn't a third person to make the call, then one of the two rescuers should make the call immediately, and should only begin 2-rescuer CPR afterward.
When only 1 rescuer is trained in CPR
On the other hand, if only one or neither of the rescuers are trained in 2-rescuer CPR, then the rescuer or rescuers on the scene should do 1-rescuer CPR. There is too much coordination and communication necessary in 2-rescuer CPR to attempt it without advanced training. Instead of 2-rescuer CPR, each rescuer should take turns performing 1-rescuer CPR until he or she gets tired, then they should trade off with the other person to do 1-rescuer CPR, until that person gets tired. It is recommended that the two rescuers trade off about every two minutes. That's approximately five cycles of 30 compressions and two breaths.
Researchers have stated that the most effective and efficient CPR is given in the first two minutes of care. Using the above guidelines to help all rescuers give everyone in distress a fighting chance of survival
Important Points
- The cycle of CPR for patients is 2 rescue breaths for every 30 compressions
- In the case of two person CPR, the cycle is 30 compressions to 2 breaths for adults
- For children, the rate is halved. The cycle is 15 compressions for every 2 breaths
- For a non-responsive adult or child, the pulse should be checked on the neck.
- For infants ,the pulse is too faint to be detected on the neck and can be detected on the arm in the brachial artery.
- In terms of resuscitation, anyone over the age of 12 years can be treated as an adult, anyone between 2- 12 years is a child.
- Anyone younger than 2 years is to be treated according to the CPR rules for infants.
Method of 2-person CPR :For adults
- First, check for any signs of response from the victim. If the victim is in an unresponsive state, check for pulse and signs of breathing.
- Ask the other volunteer to call for help by calling your local emergency number and giving details of the victim's condition and whereabouts.
- Lay the victim on a flat surface.
- Start the chest compressions with about 100 compressions per minute. After every 30 compressions, follow with breaths. Since two man compression has an extra person to help, one person can give the compressions while the second can give the breaths. This can be alternated every two minutes since compressions are quite tiring for one person to handle.
- Make sure that there is no gap in giving the compressions, your actions will be helpful in supplying blood to the brain.
For children
- In case the victim is a child, use 15 compressions and then give breaths instead of thirty.
- For infants, be sure to support the neck and back while attempting resuscitation in order to avoid injury to the patient.
- Both the CPR givers need to alternate between giving breaths and chest compressions and switch positions once each person is tired. this method is to be followed till an AED arrives.
- An AED is an Automated External Defibrillator that will externally stimulate the heart into giving a response. Make sure there's no water around when the AED is going to be operated as it conducts electricity.
Further Reading: Emergency Situation: Do You Know What to Do? The #1 Rescuer Priority During CPRA "Real World" Cardiac Arrest!