What should you do if a patient is having a cardiac arrest?

When a patient is experiencing a cardiac arrest, the most critical action is to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and call emergency services immediately. This response is essential because cardiac arrest results in the cessation of blood flow to vital organs, and without prompt intervention, brain damage and death may occur within minutes.

Performing CPR helps maintain blood flow to the heart and brain, increasing the chances of survival until professional medical help arrives. Calling emergency services is equally important, as it ensures that advanced medical personnel are dispatched to the location to provide further care and interventions that may include defibrillation and advanced cardiac life support.

Checking for responsiveness might be a preliminary step in assessing a patient's condition, but in the case of a suspected cardiac arrest, waiting for responsiveness can waste crucial time. Administering oxygen only does not address the immediate need for chest compressions and rescue breaths that are integral parts of CPR. Waiting for the patient to regain consciousness is not a viable option, as the urgency of the situation requires immediate action to prevent serious consequences. Thus, performing CPR and calling emergency services are the two fundamental steps that must be taken during a cardiac arrest scenario.