If you notice signs of life during CPR, what should you do?

• A. Stop CPR and check ABCs
• B. Continue CPR until EMS arrives
• C. Switch to recovery position
• D. Apply AED immediately

Answer: (A)

When you see signs of life during CPR, the focus should shift to reassessment rather than continuing chest compressions blindly. Those signs suggest there may be some return of spontaneous circulation, so you pause to check the basics: is the airway open, is the person breathing normally, and is there a pulse if you’re trained to check it? If there is a pulse and normal breathing, the next step is to place the person in the recovery position if they’re unresponsive and monitor them closely. If there is no pulse or breathing is insufficient, you resume CPR and continue monitoring while waiting for EMS or an AED. This approach ensures you don’t waste time on compressions when the person may be stabilizing, and you promptly switch to appropriate care based on how the person is actually doing.