Ace the Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam 2025 – Sprint to Success and Save Lives!

In a cardiac arrest scenario, it is essential to regularly assess the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to ensure that it is being performed correctly and to determine if there has been any change in the patient's condition. The recommended practice is to reassess CPR every two minutes.

This timeframe aligns with common CPR guidelines, which suggest that after every two-minute cycle of high-quality chest compressions, the responder should pause briefly to check for signs of circulation, such as any visible movement, normal breathing, or pulse. This reassessment allows for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the CPR being performed and helps in making critical decisions about continuing CPR, switching providers, or transitioning to advanced airway management or defibrillation if needed.

Reassessing too frequently, such as every minute, could disrupt the rhythm and effectiveness of CPR, as it takes time away from performing life-saving compressions. Similarly, waiting too long, such as five minutes, would delay important assessments that could inform the resuscitation efforts. Conducting the evaluation at the end of each cycle ensures a structured and consistent approach while maximizing the time spent delivering crucial chest compressions.