In a team-based resuscitation with three rescuers, what is the recommended role distribution for chest compressions?

In a team-based resuscitation with three rescuers, what is the recommended role distribution for chest compressions?

• A. Two rescuers alternate giving chest compressions, while the third retrieves the AED.
• B. All three perform chest compressions simultaneously.
• C. One rescuer does compressions while the others provide breaths.
• D. Compressors rotate only after 10 minutes.

Answer: (A)

In three-rescuer CPR, the goal is to keep chest compressions continuous and effective while getting the defibrillator ready as quickly as possible. Fatigue drops compression depth and rate, so two rescuers share the work and switch roughly every 2 minutes to maintain high-quality compressions. The third rescuer focuses on the AED—the fastest way to defibrillate when indicated—so the device is brought to the patient and pads are applied without interrupting chest compressions. This distribution keeps perfusion strong by preventing lengthy pauses and ensures rapid shock delivery when possible. Options that have all three compressing, or that assign ventilation or delayed rotation, would either waste effort or degrade compression quality. Waiting too long to rotate or intermixing roles in a way that compromises continuous compressions also reduces the chances of a favorable outcome.

In three-rescuer CPR, the goal is to keep chest compressions continuous and effective while getting the defibrillator ready as quickly as possible. Fatigue drops compression depth and rate, so two rescuers share the work and switch roughly every 2 minutes to maintain high-quality compressions. The third rescuer focuses on the AED—the fastest way to defibrillate when indicated—so the device is brought to the patient and pads are applied without interrupting chest compressions.

This distribution keeps perfusion strong by preventing lengthy pauses and ensures rapid shock delivery when possible. Options that have all three compressing, or that assign ventilation or delayed rotation, would either waste effort or degrade compression quality. Waiting too long to rotate or intermixing roles in a way that compromises continuous compressions also reduces the chances of a favorable outcome.