During a cardiac arrest, what is the priority for the EMT at the scene?

In the context of a cardiac arrest, the priority for the EMT is to perform chest compressions. This is because, during cardiac arrest, the heart is unable to effectively pump blood, which means the body, especially vital organs like the brain, is deprived of oxygen-rich blood. Chest compressions are crucial as they help to circulate blood manually, providing some level of blood flow to the heart and brain, which can significantly increase the chances of survival until advanced medical care can be provided.

Performing high-quality chest compressions is vital; it should be done at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute and at a depth of at least two inches in adults. This immediate action helps maintain minimal circulation to vital organs and is a critical component of the chain of survival. While ensuring the functionality of an AED, contacting medical control, and providing oxygen are important tasks in the overall management of a patient in cardiac arrest, they take precedence after initiating compressions as the most time-sensitive intervention to prevent irreversible damage.