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How Long Do You Need to Keep Doing CPR?

The short answer: keep going until you are told to stop. CPR should continue until one of the following occurs:

  • The AED tells you to stop — your device will prompt you to pause CPR for a rhythm analysis every two minutes. Follow its instructions exactly.
  • The patient shows signs of life — if the patient starts breathing normally or regains consciousness, stop compressions and monitor them closely until paramedics arrive.
  • Paramedics or a trained responder takes over — hand over care as soon as professional help arrives.
  • You are physically unable to continue — CPR is exhausting. If others are present, rotate every two minutes to maintain compression quality. Effective compressions are better than tired ones.

There is no set time limit for CPR. Survival rates are highest when high-quality compressions are maintained continuously from collapse to defibrillation. Every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces survival chances by approximately 10%.

Remember: Your AED will guide you. Follow its voice prompts and keep going — you are giving the patient their best chance of survival. For CPR and AED training options, call Defibshop on 1300 729 575.