What action should be taken if a patient becomes unresponsive during CPR?

When a patient becomes unresponsive during CPR, calling for additional help or rescuer assistance is essential. In the context of CPR, if a rescuer notices unresponsiveness, it usually indicates that the situation has not improved, and additional support is required. This is critical because CPR is an intense and vital process that may benefit from more trained individuals, especially if advanced life support measures are needed when emergency medical personnel arrive.

Notifying additional rescuers also ensures that someone can maintain the flow of CPR while someone else prepares for further interventions, such as defibrillation or administering medications, if indicated. Having more hands on deck can prevent interruptions in compressions, which is crucial for maintaining blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest.

Although continuing compressions until emergency services arrive is important, it does not account for the need for more assistance or help, which can enhance the overall effectiveness of the resuscitation effort. Immediate reassessment of the patient's status while someone is calling for help can lead to delays in potentially life-saving care. Hence, invoking further assistance is considered best practice in this scenario.