In CPR, when should you use an AED or call EMS?

In CPR, when should you use an AED or call EMS?

• A. Until EMS arrives or an AED is ready to assist.
• B. For two cycles only.
• C. Until the patient shows signs of life.
• D. Until an AED is ready to analyze and defibrillate.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is to maximize time to defibrillation while maintaining continuous high-quality CPR. In a cardiac arrest, you should bring in and use the AED as soon as it’s available and ready to analyze and defibrillate. Start or continue chest compressions while you wait for the device to be ready. When the AED is ready to analyze, ensure no one is touching the patient, let it analyze, and if it recommends a shock, deliver it. After the shock, resume CPR immediately and continue cycles until EMS arrives or the patient shows signs of life. This approach minimizes delays in defibrillation and keeps blood flow going with CPR.

The key idea is to maximize time to defibrillation while maintaining continuous high-quality CPR. In a cardiac arrest, you should bring in and use the AED as soon as it’s available and ready to analyze and defibrillate. Start or continue chest compressions while you wait for the device to be ready. When the AED is ready to analyze, ensure no one is touching the patient, let it analyze, and if it recommends a shock, deliver it. After the shock, resume CPR immediately and continue cycles until EMS arrives or the patient shows signs of life. This approach minimizes delays in defibrillation and keeps blood flow going with CPR.