How long should a lifeguard observe a patient after performing CPR without a response?

After performing CPR on a patient without any signs of response, the recommended observation time is two minutes before reassessing the situation. This duration is crucial because it allows time for the CPR to potentially restore circulation and for any underlying cardiac rhythm to stabilize. During this two-minute interval, the lifeguard continues to monitor the patient's pulse and breathing effectively, or the lack thereof, ensuring they provide accurate information for emergency medical services when they arrive.

The two-minute observation period is commonly endorsed in CPR guidelines as it balances the need to give adequate time for the procedure to potentially succeed while not delaying additional interventions if the patient remains unresponsive. This practice emphasizes the importance of ongoing assessment during emergency situations to ensure that life-saving measures can continue effectively.