What are the basic steps of performing adult CPR and when should an AED be used?

What are the basic steps of performing adult CPR and when should an AED be used?

• A. Perform rescue breaths first, then check responsiveness, and call for help.
• B. Check responsiveness, call for help, start chest compressions, and use an AED as soon as available; follow AED prompts.
• C. Check pulse, wait for EMS, and only begin compressions if EMS is delayed.
• D. Only call for help and wait for trained responders.

Answer: (B)

The essential idea is to act quickly to keep blood circulating and bring in the chance for defibrillation. For an unresponsive adult who isn’t breathing normally, you start by determining if they are responsive and then call for help to activate emergency services and get an AED. Once help is on the way, begin chest compressions right away to maintain circulation. High-quality compressions—push hard and fast with complete chest recoil—keep blood flowing to the brain and heart while you arrange for definitive care. Using an AED as soon as it’s available is critical. Turn it on and follow its prompts; it will analyze the rhythm and tell you whether a shock is indicated. If a shock is advised, deliver it as directed, then resume CPR immediately and continue until professional responders take over or the person shows signs of life. If you’re trained and able to provide it, give rescue breaths after every set of about 30 compressions, but if not, keep doing compressions until the AED is ready to analyze or help arrives. This approach combines immediate circulation with timely defibrillation, which together offer the best chance of survival.

The essential idea is to act quickly to keep blood circulating and bring in the chance for defibrillation. For an unresponsive adult who isn’t breathing normally, you start by determining if they are responsive and then call for help to activate emergency services and get an AED. Once help is on the way, begin chest compressions right away to maintain circulation. High-quality compressions—push hard and fast with complete chest recoil—keep blood flowing to the brain and heart while you arrange for definitive care.

Using an AED as soon as it’s available is critical. Turn it on and follow its prompts; it will analyze the rhythm and tell you whether a shock is indicated. If a shock is advised, deliver it as directed, then resume CPR immediately and continue until professional responders take over or the person shows signs of life. If you’re trained and able to provide it, give rescue breaths after every set of about 30 compressions, but if not, keep doing compressions until the AED is ready to analyze or help arrives. This approach combines immediate circulation with timely defibrillation, which together offer the best chance of survival.