Telecommunicators coach callers to do what until professional rescuers assume care?

Telecommunicators coach callers to do what until professional rescuers assume care?

• A. assist with breathing only
• B. perform continuous CPR
• C. defibrillate with AED
• D. check pulse

Answer: (B)

Continuous chest compressions are emphasized because, in a cardiac arrest, keeping blood flowing to the brain and heart is the immediate priority while help is on the way. Dispatcher-guided CPR focuses on hands-only chest compressions to maintain perfusion until professional rescuers arrive and take over. Breathing alone won’t sustain circulation, and delaying CPR to check a pulse can waste precious time. Use of an AED is important, but it complements CPR and is not a substitute for starting compressions right away. Checking a pulse by a layperson is unreliable and can interrupt critical CPR.

Continuous chest compressions are emphasized because, in a cardiac arrest, keeping blood flowing to the brain and heart is the immediate priority while help is on the way. Dispatcher-guided CPR focuses on hands-only chest compressions to maintain perfusion until professional rescuers arrive and take over. Breathing alone won’t sustain circulation, and delaying CPR to check a pulse can waste precious time. Use of an AED is important, but it complements CPR and is not a substitute for starting compressions right away. Checking a pulse by a layperson is unreliable and can interrupt critical CPR.