What effect can rescuer fatigue have on the quality of chest compressions?

Rescuer fatigue can have a significant impact on the quality of chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), leading to reduced effectiveness in reviving the patient. As a rescuer becomes fatigued, several things can happen:

1. Inadequate Depth: The recommended depth for adult chest compressions is at least 2 inches (5 cm). Fatigue can cause the rescuer to compress less deeply than required, diminishing the blood flow generated by the compressions.

2. Incorrect Rate: The recommended rate for CPR chest compressions is 100–120 compressions per minute. A tired rescuer may start compressing at a slower rate, which can decrease the chances of successful resuscitation.

3. Inconsistent Recoil: Full recoil is necessary between compressions to allow the heart to refill with blood. Fatigue might cause incomplete recoil, reducing the effectiveness of each subsequent compression.

4. Variable Hand Positioning: As the rescuer gets tired, maintaining the correct hand position on the victim's sternum can be difficult, potentially leading to ineffective compressions or even injury to the victim.

To mitigate rescuer fatigue, it is recommended to switch compressors every 2 minutes, or sooner if signs of fatigue are noted.