Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Practice 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Master Your CPR Skills!

Evaluating the ECG between 2-minute cycles during CPR is vital for continuous monitoring of the patient's cardiac rhythm without interrupting compressions unnecessarily. This timing aligns with the recommended practice, as it allows responders to assess whether the rhythm is shockable or non-shockable while also adhering to the principle of minimizing interruptions in chest compressions, which are critical for maintaining blood flow to vital organs.

During each 2-minute cycle of CPR, high-quality chest compressions are performed to ensure effective circulation. Interrupting compressions to check the ECG too frequently could lead to decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery, which negatively impacts the patient's chance of survival. Evaluating the ECG at the end of each 2-minute cycle provides a structured approach to monitor changes in the cardiac rhythm and adjust the resuscitation efforts accordingly, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the CPR being administered.

This interval also allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions based on the most current rhythm data while still prioritizing the critical action of chest compressions.