What should be the focus of your actions if you are the first rescuer on the scene of a cardiac arrest?

When you are the first rescuer on the scene of a cardiac arrest, the primary focus should be on calling for help and initiating CPR. This is crucial because cardiac arrest results in the heart not pumping blood, which means that vital organs, including the brain, are starved of oxygen. Time is of the essence in such emergencies, and the immediate start of CPR can be vital in maintaining blood circulation and oxygenation until advanced medical help arrives.

By calling for help, you ensure that additional resources, such as emergency medical services or additional trained responders, are on the way. Initiating CPR delivers chest compressions that can help maintain blood flow to vital organs. The guidelines emphasize the importance of starting CPR quickly, as each passing minute significantly decreases the chances of survival.

Other actions, such as checking for a pulse or waiting for others to arrive, delay critical lifesaving measures. Performing rescue breaths alone without chest compressions is also inadequate, as chest compressions are essential for maintaining blood circulation in a cardiac arrest situation. Overall, the immediate combination of contacting emergency services and performing CPR is essential for improving outcomes in cardiac arrest scenarios.