Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which of the following does not indicate stopping CPR?

1. Transfer of care to another healthcare provider

2. Presence of an advanced airway

3. Signs of life detected

4. Care is transferred to a bystander

The correct answer is: Care is transferred to a bystander

The rationale for selecting that choice lies in the understanding of the criteria associated with the cessation of CPR. Transferring care to another healthcare provider indicates that professional assistance has arrived and is capable of taking over the resuscitation efforts, which generally warrants the conclusion of CPR. The presence of an advanced airway signifies that ventilation is being maintained effectively, which also suggests that it is appropriate to continue with CPR until definitive medical help arrives or until there are signs of life. Similarly, detecting signs of life, such as breathing or responsiveness, is a clear indicator that CPR should be stopped, as the patient is no longer in a state that requires resuscitation. In contrast, transferring care to a bystander does not signify that CPR should be stopped. A bystander may not have the necessary training or authority to resume or manage the care effectively. Therefore, CPR should not cease merely because a bystander is involved without a proper handover to trained personnel. This lack of requirement to stop CPR when a bystander is involved signifies why that option is the correct choice in this context.