When there are two or more trained responders, when should they switch roles during CPR and AED use?

The most appropriate time for trained responders to switch roles during CPR and AED use is after pushing the shock button. This tactic allows the responder who is delivering chest compressions to take a brief but critical pause during the shock delivery, which is essential for ensuring the patient's safety.

When an AED determines that a shock is necessary and the shock button is pressed, all movement and contact with the patient must stop to prevent injury from the electrical shock. This provides an opportunity for the other responder who was attending to the airway and breathing—if applicable—to either step in for compressions or take over the role in a more efficient manner, especially during a high-stress environment where fatigue can hinder performance.

Switching roles after this moment helps maintain the effectiveness of the CPR, as it allows each responder to conserve their energy and continue providing high-quality chest compressions when it is time to resume. This is vital in ensuring that compressions remain adequate in rate and depth throughout the entire event, maintaining blood flow to vital organs until professional help can take over.

Other moments like after delivering two rescue breaths or waiting for the AED's voice prompts, while relevant in the CPR process, may not actively promote the effectiveness and efficiency of the response as much as switching after