What is the first action to take in the event of a cardiac arrest?

In the event of a cardiac arrest, the first action to take is to call emergency services. This step is critical because it ensures that professional medical help is on the way while other potentially lifesaving measures are initiated. Time is of the essence in a cardiac arrest situation, and having emergency assistance alerted promptly can significantly increase the chances of survival.

Once emergency services are notified, the responder can then proceed to perform CPR, use a defibrillator, or administer adrenaline as appropriate. These actions are important but relying solely on them without first calling for emergency assistance may lead to delays in receiving critical care from trained professionals.

The reason this option is prioritized over others lies in the coordination of care. Calling emergency services establishes a vital link to advanced life support and medical intervention that is crucial for the patient’s survival and recovery.