Learn CPR. For Life.™
Certification
Exam

Healthcare Provider BLS Course

Two-Rescuer CPR

When two trained rescuers are available, the workload can be shared to reduce fatigue and improve efficiency. This allows for higher-quality CPR and a more coordinated resuscitation effort.

Key Benefits of Two-Rescuer CPR

  • Minimizes rescuer fatigue, ensuring consistent chest compression quality.
  • Allows one rescuer to focus on compressions while the other manages the airway.
  • Ensures faster AED use and smoother transitions between tasks.

Role Assignments in Two-Rescuer CPR

Rescuer 1: Chest Compressions

  • Positions themselves at the patient’s side.
  • Delivers high-quality compressions at 100-120 per minute.
  • Compresses to the correct depth:
    • Adults: At least 2 inches (5 cm).
    • Children: At least 1/3 of the chest diameter (~2 inches or 5 cm).
    • Infants: At least 1/3 of the chest diameter (~1.5 inches or 4 cm).
  • Ensures full chest recoil between compressions.
  • Minimizes interruptions, switching roles every 2 minutes or 5 cycles to prevent fatigue.

Rescuer 2: Airway & Ventilation

  • Positions themselves at the patient’s head.
  • Maintains an open airway using:
    • Head Tilt-Chin Lift: If no suspected spinal injury.
    • Jaw Thrust: If spinal injury is suspected.
  • Uses a bag-mask device (BVM) to provide breaths.
  • Delivers breaths at the correct rate:
    • Adults: 1 breath every 5-6 seconds (~10-12 breaths per minute).
    • Children & Infants: 1 breath every 3-5 seconds (~12-20 breaths per minute).
  • Ensures each breath lasts 1 second and results in visible chest rise.
  • Prepares the AED and applies pads while Rescuer 1 continues compressions.

Compression-to-Ventilation Ratios in Two-Rescuer CPR

  • Adults: 30 compressions ➝ 2 breaths (30:2) – Same as single-rescuer CPR.
  • Children & Infants: 15 compressions ➝ 2 breaths (15:2) – Increased ventilation support for pediatric patients.

Key Considerations for Effective Two-Rescuer CPR

  • Rescuers must communicate clearly to ensure smooth role changes.
  • Minimize hands-off time by switching roles quickly and efficiently.
  • The AED should be applied ASAP to allow for early defibrillation if needed.
  • Use the two-thumb-encircling technique for infant compressions when possible (for better compression depth and control).

Two-rescuer CPR significantly improves the quality of resuscitation by reducing rescuer fatigue, ensuring better compressions, and allowing for more efficient airway management. Next, we’ll cover how to smoothly switch roles without losing valuable time.