American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguarding Practice Test

Two rescuers are involved because this arrangement keeps chest compressions continuous while ventilation is provided. One person stays focused on delivering high-quality chest compressions at the correct rate and depth, and the other handles rescue breaths using a bag-valve mask or mouth-to-mouth, depending on equipment and training. By switching roles about every two minutes, the team prevents fatigue from lowering compression quality and maintains effective circulation and oxygen delivery. In lifeguard settings, this division works well for keeping CPR flowing smoothly, and if more rescuers arrive they can take over tasks like operating the AED or fetching gear, while the essential handoff between compressions and breaths remains the two-rescuer approach.