Early defibrillation is the most critical step in increasing survival rates for patients in cardiac arrest with a shockable rhythm.

Most AEDs are programmed to reanalyze the heart rhythm every 2 minutes.

High-quality CPR requires minimizing interruptions to maintain circulation.

The E-C clamp technique ensures a tight seal while lifting the jaw for an open airway.

Pulse checks should be limited to 10 seconds to avoid delaying CPR.

Rescue breaths should be given before starting chest compressions in drowning victims.

The two-thumb encircling technique is preferred for two-rescuer infant CPR, while single rescuers typically use two fingers.

CPR should continue until the patient shows signs of life, an AED prompts a shock or no shock, or another trained provider takes over.

Pediatric AED pads should be used for children under 8 years old, if available.

Reassessment should occur every 5 cycles of CPR (about 2 minutes) unless an AED prompts earlier evaluation.

If a patient has a pulse but is not breathing adequately, healthcare providers should provide rescue breathing without chest compressions.

High-quality CPR requires minimizing interruptions to maintain circulation.

For single-rescuer infant CPR, use two fingers just below the nipple line to perform compressions.

The first step after turning on an AED is attaching the electrode pads.

The best way to ensure effective ventilation is by observing visible chest rise with each breath.

Excessive ventilation can cause complications like gastric inflation.

An AED is used on patients who are unresponsive, pulseless, and not breathing.

The carotid artery is the preferred site for pulse assessment in unresponsive adults.

The correct compression depth for adult CPR is at least 2 inches (5 cm).

For adults with a pulse but not breathing, provide 1 breath every 5-6 seconds.

Ventilations should be given every 6 seconds when an advanced airway is in place.

Switching roles every 2 minutes prevents rescuer fatigue and minimizes interruptions.

Chest compressions maintain circulation and deliver oxygenated blood to the brain and heart.

Once an advanced airway is in place, continuous compressions are given with 1 breath every 6 seconds.

AED pads should be placed at least 1 inch away from a pacemaker to avoid interference.

Ventilations should be given every 6 seconds when an advanced airway is in place.

High-quality CPR for children requires compressing at least 1/3 of the chest depth (about 2 inches or 5 cm).

For a single rescuer, the correct ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths.

Switching roles every 2 minutes prevents rescuer fatigue and ensures continuous, high-quality CPR.

For an unresponsive, pulseless patient, immediate chest compressions are the priority.

If a choking victim can cough or speak, encourage them to keep coughing rather than immediately performing abdominal thrusts.

Unless a valid DNR order is confirmed, resuscitation efforts should begin.

For children with a pulse but no normal breathing, provide rescue breaths at a rate of 12-20 per minute.

Gasping (agonal breathing) is not normal breathing and should not delay CPR.

Rescuers should switch every 2 minutes (or 5 cycles of compressions) to maintain high-quality CPR.

The recommended compression rate is 100-120 compressions per minute.

Pulse checks should be performed approximately every 2 minutes when providing rescue breathing.

For two-rescuer infant CPR, the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio is 15:2.

Effective compressions allow full chest recoil, ensuring proper circulation.

If a choking victim becomes unresponsive and pulseless, CPR should begin immediately, starting with compressions.

A firm surface is needed to ensure effective compressions.

In a hospital setting, bag-mask ventilation is the preferred method for delivering rescue breaths.

Chest compressions should continue while the AED is charging to maintain circulation.

For adult CPR, compressions should be performed with two hands, one on top of the other, placed on the lower half of the sternum.

Equal chest rise confirms proper ventilation and airway placement.

Breathing assessment should take no more than 10 seconds to avoid delaying CPR.

Adult chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep.

Rescuers should switch every 2 minutes to maintain high-quality CPR and prevent fatigue.

After a shock is delivered, chest compressions should resume immediately to maintain circulation.

For suspected spinal injury, the jaw thrust maneuver should be used instead of head tilt-chin lift.

Adult chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep.

Unlike adults, the most common cause of cardiac arrest in infants and children is respiratory failure leading to hypoxia.

To minimize interruptions in care, breathing and pulse checks should be performed simultaneously, taking no more than 10 seconds.

If a patient is unresponsive with a suspected airway obstruction, chest compressions should be initiated immediately to help clear the airway.

Clear role assignment and minimizing interruptions optimize CPR quality in a team setting.