Question

You are the first on the scene of a��� 72-year-old patient in cardiac arrest. You have your medical supply��� kit, oxygen, and an AED. At least 4 to 5 minutes of��� high-quality CPR has been provided by the police officer who arrived before you. You have confirmed an open��� airway, apnea, and pulselessness. Which of the following should you do��� next?

A. Perform��� bag-valve mask ventilations with supplemental oxygen for 30 seconds before applying the defibrillator pads.
B. Perform��� one-rescuer CPR until additional personnel arrive.
C. Apply the defibrillator pads and shock as indicated.
D. Contact medical direction before taking any action.

Answer 1

After high-quality CPR and confirming cardiac arrest, you should immediately apply the defibrillator pads and follow the AED's instructions to shock the patient, if indicated.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct course of action after confirming the patient is in cardiac arrest with an open airway, apnea, and pulselessness, and after high-quality CPR has been administered for 4-5 minutes, is to apply the defibrillator pads and shock as indicated. This is because the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can analyze the patient's heart rhythm and deliver the appropriate shock to potentially restart the heart with a normal rhythm.

As AEDs provide verbal instructions and are designed to be used by laypersons as well as professionals, it’s essential to use this lifesaving technology promptly. If the AED indicates a shock is necessary, it should be administered following the AED's instructions, and CPR should be continued until further medical personnel arrive or the patient shows signs of recovery.