Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

What should be the first action when assessing a cardiac arrest patient with an AED available?

1. Start CPR immediately

2. Administer a shock

3. Apply the AED pads

4. Check for breathing and pulse

The correct answer is: Start CPR immediately

Starting CPR immediately is the first recommended action when assessing a cardiac arrest patient with an AED available. This is because CPR helps circulate oxygen-rich blood to vital organs, which is crucial for a cardiac arrest patient. Administering a shock or applying the AED pads should be done after starting CPR. Checking for breathing and pulse is important, but it should not delay starting CPR. It is also important to remember that in a cardiac arrest, there is no breathing or pulse present. Therefore, starting CPR is the best initial action to take to increase the chances of survival.