Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a lifesaving technique that helps keep blood flowing and oxygen reaching the brain when a heart suddenly stops beating. It buys precious time until professional help arrives and can mean the difference between life and death in a cardiac arrest. But there are times when continuing CPR may not be the right choice, such as when the person has clearly stated they do not want to be revived, when a qualified medical professional has declared death, or when performing CPR would pose a serious risk to the responder. This article aims to explain these exceptions and safety notes so readers understand when to stop and how to act responsibly.
For improving accuracy and effectiveness during resuscitation, you can explore how a chest compression feedback device can support CPR by providing real-time guidance on depth and rate of compressions. This helps responders perform consistent, high-quality chest compressions and can be a valuable tool in both training and real-life scenarios.
5 Reasons to Stop CPR
When deciding to stop CPR, know there are clear moments when continuing isn’t the right choice, and a calm, informed approach helps keep everyone safe.
1. When the Person Shows Obvious Signs of Life
If the person begins to breathe on their own, cough, or move, it means their body is waking up and starting to work again. In this moment, continuing chest compressions can cause more harm than good, so stop CPR and monitor their breathing and comfort. Call for medical help if you haven’t already, and provide any details that could help responders.
2. When You Feel Tired or Fatigued
Giving CPR is hard work, and fatigue can make it hard to push with the right depth and pace. If you’re exhausted, take a short break if you can, or switch with another trained person. The goal is to keep chest compressions effective, so don’t push beyond what you can safely do. If you must pause for rest, check the person’s condition and resume when you’re ready and able.
3. When the Person Has a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
A DNR order means the person does not want CPR if their heart stops. Respect their wishes and stop resuscitation immediately. If there is any doubt about the person’s desires, it’s important to pause and seek guidance from a medical professional or the person’s family, following local rules and protocols.
4. When EMS or Another Trained Responder Arrives
When trained help arrives, they may take over CPR and carry out advanced care. Stop CPR only when the new responders confirm they are in control and it is safe to pause. If you’re asked to assist briefly or switch roles, follow their instructions and stay with the person to support their care.
5. When There Are Signs of Irreversible Death
If there are strong signs that death cannot be reversed, such as rigor mortis, obvious injury making revival impossible, or a medical professional has confirmed death, continuing CPR is not appropriate. In these cases, stopping helps prevent futile efforts and allows responders to focus on comfort and other necessary care. Trust the medical judgment on scene and act with respect for the person and their loved ones.
5a. Stages Of Death
In this section, we’ll describe what the body goes through after death in simple terms. These signs help people understand what has happened and why releases or actions may be needed.
- Cold to the Touch: After death, the body often becomes cool to the touch as it stops producing heat. This cooling can vary with the environment and time since death.
- Rigor Moritos: Rigor mortis is the stiffening of muscles that happens after death. It usually begins a few hours after death and gradually eases as the body breaks down.
- Lividity: Lividity is the pooling of blood in the lowest parts of the body, causing a reddish color on the skin. It becomes more noticeable as the body settles.
What Happens If You Stop CPR Too Early
Stopping CPR too soon can be extremely dangerous, even fatal, because it cuts off the only way to keep blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs. Brain cells begin dying just 4-6 minutes after oxygen stops, and by 8-10 minutes, the damage can become permanent. If CPR is halted too early, the person may suffer serious consequences like memory problems, trouble speaking, or lasting brain damage. In some cases, stopping too soon could even mean death-when continuing CPR might have given them a chance to survive.
Are You Legally Protected After You Stop CPR
You’re protected from lawsuits when stopping CPR for valid reasons, such as obvious signs of death, a DNR order, or when EMS takes over. All 50 states have laws that shield volunteers who act in good faith during emergencies from legal liability. Protection applies as long as you follow proper procedures and stay within the scope of your training. However, abandoning a patient after starting CPR without a legitimate reason, like walking away out of fear, fatigue, or unwillingness, can lead to negligence claims or abandonment charges. Once CPR is started, a duty of care exists until the person recovers, EMS takes over, or there’s a valid reason to stop. Remember, what you are legally required to do before you touch a person when responding to an emergency also plays a role in ensuring you’re protected.
Knowing When to Stop CPR Safely
Knowing when to stop CPR is just as important as knowing how to do it. Being aware of the signs of life, understanding legal protections, respecting DNR orders, and recognizing your own limits all help you act safely and responsibly. CPR can save lives, but it isn’t always appropriate to continue, and stopping at the right time protects both the person and the responder. Staying calm, observing, and following guidance from trained professionals ensures the best outcome while showing care and respect for those in need, while also keeping in mind the common mistakes to avoid in CPR to ensure your efforts are as effective and safe as possible.
