A patient in cardiac arrest is wearing an external defibrillator vest, which is interfering with effective chest compressions. The EMT should:

In the scenario presented, the correct approach involves first removing the battery from the monitor and then taking off the defibrillator vest. This protocol is crucial for several reasons.

When a patient is in cardiac arrest, effective chest compressions are vital for maintaining blood circulation until advanced care can be provided. If the external defibrillator vest is interfering with compressions, it must be removed to allow for effective CPR. However, it is essential to first detach the battery from the monitor to ensure that there is no risk of delivering an unintended shock while the vest is being removed. This step prioritizes patient safety by preventing any accidental discharge that could occur if the vest remains active during removal.

Other options present varying levels of safety risks or ineffectiveness in managing the situation. For instance, simply leaving the battery attached while trying to remove the vest can lead to unintended consequences, as shocks could be delivered unexpectedly. Similarly, performing only ventilations while allowing the vest to defibrillate does not address the immediate need for effective compressions. Thus, the most prudent and safe action is to first remove the battery and then remove the vest to continue with essential lifesaving measures.