Quick Answer
Stop CPR if the person's chest stops moving or there is no longer any pulse to feel, and there are no signs of breathing or other signs of life.
When to Stop CPR
CPR may be stopped if the person’s chest stops moving or there is no longer any pulse to feel. This is often determined by an automated external defibrillator (AED) or a trained medical professional. If the person’s chest does not move or there is no pulse, CPR should be stopped.
Signs of No Further Need for CPR
Signs that CPR is no longer needed include: the person’s chest starts moving on its own, or a pulse is present, or a medical professional determines that CPR is no longer necessary. If a person is unconscious but breathing normally, CPR can be stopped unless they experience a cardiac arrest.
Resuscitation Efforts
In the event a person’s heart stops beating, and they stop breathing, CPR should be continued according to established guidelines until medical help arrives. After 20 minutes of CPR, the chances of survival decrease significantly.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.