When should CPR be stopped for a child in respiratory arrest?

The most appropriate time to stop CPR for a child in respiratory arrest is when the central pulse and perfusion improve. This is critical because it indicates that the child is beginning to recover and that blood circulation has resumed effectively. The goal of CPR is to restore adequate circulation and breathing, so a return of these vital signs signifies that the efforts to revive the child have been successful.

Stopping CPR when help arrives might not be ideal if the child's condition has not stabilized. Similarly, ceasing attempts after a fixed amount of time, such as 5 minutes, could lead to premature termination of lifesaving measures if there are still signs of need. Waiting for the child to become aware is also not advisable since it could take time for consciousness to return even when circulation and breathing are restored. Hence, the best practice is to continue CPR until there are clear signs of improvement, ensuring the child receives the best chance for recovery.