When should CPR responders switch roles if more than one is present?

The correct choice highlights the importance of ensuring effective CPR delivery, especially during prolonged resuscitation efforts. When responders switch roles when the original responder is tiring, it helps maintain a high standard of compressions, which are crucial for circulating blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.

Continuous, high-quality compressions are essential during CPR; as one responder becomes fatigued, the effectiveness of their compressions may diminish. By switching roles before exhaustion sets in, responders can sustain the necessary depth and rate of compressions. This practice not only improves the likelihood of a successful outcome but also helps prevent physical strain or injury to the responders themselves.

Switching after every single compression, while it might keep the process dynamic, is impractical and would disrupt the rhythm that is necessary for effective CPR. Similarly, relying solely on a prompt from an AED to switch roles may not occur in a timely manner, especially since AEDs only analyze the heart rhythm at specific intervals, potentially leading to missed opportunities for role changes when necessary. Lastly, waiting for one responder to ask for a change may not be the most efficient or timely response since fatigue can impair judgment and reaction times.