What is the immediate first aid for cardiac arrest?

• A. Start CPR.
• B. Check blood sugar.
• C. Place in recovery position.
• D. Call a nurse.

Answer: (A)

In cardiac arrest, the heart isn’t pumping effectively, so blood flow to the brain and other vital organs stops. The immediate action that saves the most lives is to start CPR right away. Compressions push blood through the body, delivering some oxygen to the brain while you get help moving toward advanced care. If you’re trained to give breaths, use the 30 compressions to 2 breaths pattern and continue until an AED or emergency responders arrive. If you’re not trained for breaths, continue with chest compressions alone because they still help circulate oxygen-rich blood.

Shouting for help and calling emergency services should happen right away, and if an AED is available, turn it on and follow its prompts as soon as you’ve started CPR.

Checking blood sugar isn’t the immediate priority in a true cardiac arrest, and placing someone in the recovery position isn’t appropriate because it doesn’t restore circulation. Waiting for a nurse, while helpful in some settings, isn’t the fastest way to save a life when a collapse is occurring; you need to start CPR now to maintain circulation until professional help arrives.