What steps should be taken in case of a cardiac arrest?

In the event of a cardiac arrest, the priority is to act quickly to restore circulation and oxygenation to vital organs. The correct answer emphasizes the critical steps: calling for help, initiating CPR, and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible.

Calling for help ensures that more assistance is on the way, particularly advanced medical care. Initiating CPR immediately is essential, as it helps maintain blood flow to the heart and brain, which can be crucial for survival and can limit brain damage while waiting for professional help. The use of an AED is extremely important because it can analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver a shock if a shockable rhythm is detected, significantly increasing the chances of survival.

This approach adheres to established emergency protocols and guidelines, prioritizing immediate life-saving actions. In contrast, options that include administering medication or merely monitoring the heart rhythm may cause delays in delivering effective intervention. Simply waiting for EMS without proper initial actions like CPR and defibrillation can substantially decrease the chances of a positive outcome for the patient.