What is the purpose of rhythm checks during CPR?

The primary purpose of rhythm checks during CPR is to identify potentially shockable rhythms. This is crucial in the management of a patient experiencing cardiac arrest, as certain arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT), are treatable with defibrillation. By performing rhythm checks, responders can ascertain whether the heart rhythm is shockable or non-shockable.

When a shockable rhythm is detected, immediate defibrillation can be administered, which significantly increases the chances of restoring a viable cardiac rhythm and improving outcomes for the patient. In contrast, non-shockable rhythms such as asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA) do not benefit from defibrillation, and the focus should shift to high-quality CPR and other interventions.

The practice of checking the rhythm at specified intervals during CPR aligns with the guidelines to optimize resuscitation efforts and enhance the likelihood of survival following a cardiac arrest.