You and your partner arrive at the scene of a middle-aged man who collapsed about 5 minutes ago. He is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. Bystanders are present, but have not provided any care. You should:

The correct action in this scenario is to begin high-quality CPR and apply the AED as soon as possible. This approach is foundational in emergency medical response to cardiac arrest.

Initiating high-quality CPR immediately helps maintain blood circulation to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, and increases the chances of survival until advanced medical assistance can take over. High-quality CPR involves proper compression depth and rate, allowing for adequate chest recoil, and minimizing interruptions to maintain blood flow effectively.

Additionally, applying the AED promptly after starting CPR is crucial. The AED can identify potentially shockable rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and deliver an electrical shock if necessary. Early defibrillation significantly increases the chances of survival in cases of cardiac arrest.

By prioritizing CPR and the use of an AED, the focus is on the two most critical interventions that can make a substantial difference in patient outcomes. It is essential to address both circulation through CPR and the possible need for defibrillation as quickly as possible to provide the best chance of survival.