Two rescuers begin high-quality CPR while the third rescuer leaves to get the AED. What action supports 2-rescuer CPR?

• A. Switch the compressor role every 30 seconds
• B. Only one rescuer provides compressions
• C. Alternating the compressor role every 2 minutes
• D. Take turns giving breaths while compressions continue

Answer: (C)

In two-rescuer CPR the goal is to keep chest compressions delivering high-quality depth and rate while one rescuer handles ventilation. Fatigue makes compressions lose their depth and speed after a couple of minutes, so rotating who is doing the compressions every about two minutes helps maintain effective chest compressions throughout the cycle. This approach minimizes interruptions and keeps the patient receiving consistent CPR while the other rescuer manages ventilation and defibrillation tasks as needed. Switching more often would disrupt the rhythm and reduce compression quality, and having only one person perform compressions undermines the benefit of the second rescuer. While the other rescuer breathes for the patient, the key action that supports 2-rescuer CPR is swapping the compressor role at roughly two-minute intervals.