How long should rescuers continue CPR before re-evaluating a victim?

Rescuers should continue CPR for approximately 2 minutes before re-evaluating the victim. This duration allows enough time for the resuscitation efforts to potentially create a measurable response in the victim's condition, such as improved circulation or a return of breathing. Continuing for this length of time provides a balance between effectively administering CPR and assessing for any changes that may indicate the need to transition to advanced care or adjust techniques if no improvement is observed.

Following 2 minutes of CPR, it is appropriate to briefly pause to check for signs of life or the presence of a pulse. This reassessment is critical because it informs rescuers of the effectiveness of their efforts. If there's still no response, continuous CPR should be resumed immediately. The choice of a 2-minute interval is supported by guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association, which emphasize the importance of providing ample compressions before checking for responsiveness.