You and your partner arrive at the scene of a middle-aged man who collapsed about 5 minutes ago. He is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. Bystanders are present, but have not provided any care. You should:

You and your partner arrive at the scene of a middle-aged man who collapsed about 5 minutes ago. He is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. Bystanders are present, but have not provided any care. You should:

• A. Immediately apply the AED pads and analyze his cardiac rhythm.
• B. Begin high-quality CPR and apply the AED as soon as possible.
• C. Have your partner perform CPR while you question the bystanders.
• D. Perform two-rescuer CPR for 5 minutes and request ALS backup.

Answer: (B)

In adult cardiac arrest, the priority is to restore perfusion quickly by starting high-quality CPR immediately and defibrillating as soon as the AED is ready. When someone is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no pulse, chest compressions circulate blood to the brain and heart, buying time before a shock can restart a normal rhythm. Applying the AED should happen as soon as possible without delaying CPR, and with two rescuers, one can continue compressions while the other sets up and uses the AED. Delaying CPR to analyze rhythm or to interrogate bystanders, or waiting for several minutes before acting, would reduce survival chances.

In adult cardiac arrest, the priority is to restore perfusion quickly by starting high-quality CPR immediately and defibrillating as soon as the AED is ready. When someone is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no pulse, chest compressions circulate blood to the brain and heart, buying time before a shock can restart a normal rhythm. Applying the AED should happen as soon as possible without delaying CPR, and with two rescuers, one can continue compressions while the other sets up and uses the AED. Delaying CPR to analyze rhythm or to interrogate bystanders, or waiting for several minutes before acting, would reduce survival chances.