For a private residence patient who is unresponsive with agonal respirations and absent pulses, which action should be undertaken immediately?

For a private residence patient who is unresponsive with agonal respirations and absent pulses, which action should be undertaken immediately?

• A. Initiate CPR, place patient in Trendelenburg position and transport
• B. Maintain airway, obtain vital signs, start IV and get a 12-lead ECG
• C. Begin CPR, attach AED pads, analyze results and follow AED protocol
• D. Attach defibrillator pads and deliver shock as per AED protocol

Answer: (C)

When a person is unresponsive with agonal respirations and no pulse, the priority is immediate high-quality CPR and early use of an automated external defibrillator. Start CPR right away to maintain blood flow to the brain and heart. Then attach the AED pads and let the device analyze the rhythm, following its prompts. This sequence allows CPR to begin without delay and uses the AED to determine if a shock is needed, delivering it only when advised and continuing CPR before and after the shock as prompted. Delaying CPR for other steps, attempting unneeded positions, or delivering a shock without the AED’s analysis can waste critical seconds and reduce survival chances.

When a person is unresponsive with agonal respirations and no pulse, the priority is immediate high-quality CPR and early use of an automated external defibrillator. Start CPR right away to maintain blood flow to the brain and heart. Then attach the AED pads and let the device analyze the rhythm, following its prompts. This sequence allows CPR to begin without delay and uses the AED to determine if a shock is needed, delivering it only when advised and continuing CPR before and after the shock as prompted. Delaying CPR for other steps, attempting unneeded positions, or delivering a shock without the AED’s analysis can waste critical seconds and reduce survival chances.