How long should you continue CPR if the person has not shown signs of life?

Continuing CPR until emergency services arrive or an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available is critical because effective, uninterrupted CPR significantly increases the chances of survival for someone experiencing cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation helps maintain blood flow to vital organs and sustains oxygenation while waiting for advanced medical interventions.

Emergency responders can provide advanced care that CPR alone cannot deliver, including medications and sophisticated life support techniques. Similarly, an AED can assess the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver a shock to restore a normal heartbeat. Therefore, sustaining CPR until these vital resources are on the scene ensures the best chance for a positive outcome.

The other options do not provide the urgency and necessity that CPR should be maintained until professional help arrives. For instance, stopping when feeling tired could lead to interrupted care, lowering the person’s chance of survival. Similarly, waiting specifically for a doctor to arrive or setting a strict time limit without regard for the victim's condition might not address the immediate need for continuous care.