What is a primary action during a cardiac arrest emergency?

The primary action during a cardiac arrest emergency is to begin CPR immediately. This response is crucial because CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, helps maintain blood flow to vital organs when the heart has stopped beating effectively. Immediate initiation of CPR can double or triple the chances of survival for the patient by ensuring that oxygenated blood continues to circulate to the brain and other critical areas while waiting for advanced medical personnel to arrive.

In the context of a cardiac arrest, maintaining the patient's position may be important but does not directly address the life-threatening issue at hand. Providing medications is typically part of advanced care that may occur after CPR has been initiated and professional responders arrive, which is why it’s not the immediate priority. Comforting the relatives is significant for emotional support but is not a critical action that addresses the urgent medical needs of the patient experiencing cardiac arrest. Thus, starting CPR is the most vital first step in this emergency.