How long should CPR be continued until emergency services arrive?

The appropriate duration for performing CPR is until the patient shows signs of life or until emergency medical services (EMS) arrive and take over the resuscitation efforts. This guideline is based on the principle that continuous, high-quality CPR can significantly increase the chances of survival for a patient in cardiac arrest.

Signs of life may include spontaneous breathing, movement, or a detectable pulse. These indicators demonstrate that the patient is beginning to recover, and it is appropriate to cease CPR in that case. On the other hand, once EMS personnel arrive, they are trained to take over the resuscitation process, and the lay rescuer should hand over care to them.

While exhaustion can affect performance, the main focus should always be on the patient's needs and the recognition of signs of life or the arrival of professional help, making them the critical factors in deciding when to stop CPR.