For Adults/Adolescents, you should call/activate EMS: Before providing CPR. After providing CPR for 2 minutes. After an AED has been administered. Or, none of the above

General
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For Adults/Adolescents, you should call/activate EMS: Before providing CPR. After providing CPR for 2 minutes. After an AED has been administered. Or, none of the above.

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For Adults/Adolescents, you should call/activate EMS: Before providing CPR. After providing CPR for 2 minutes. After an AED has been administered. Or, none of the above.

Answer: In the event of a cardiac arrest for adults or adolescents, the American Heart Association (AHA) provides specific guidelines on when to call or activate Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Here’s what you should do:

  1. Call/Activate EMS Before Providing CPR: The correct sequence for an unresponsive adult or adolescent who is not breathing or is only gasping (agonal breaths) is to immediately call for help. If you are alone, use your cell phone to call EMS or 911 and put it on speaker mode to follow the dispatcher’s instructions while you start CPR.

  2. After Providing CPR for 2 Minutes: This step is typically part of the guidelines for unwitnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in children (infants and young children) when you are alone and did not witness the collapse but may not be required for adults and adolescents. For adults, you should call for help immediately before starting CPR.

  3. After an AED Has Been Administered: If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, retrieve the AED quickly if possible, and apply it. Follow the AED prompts, which will typically instruct you to deliver a shock if necessary. The AED itself will also call for assistance if it is a connected device, but independently you should already have called/activated EMS before starting CPR.

  4. None of the Above: Since “Before providing CPR” is the most appropriate answer for initiating emergency response for adults or adolescents in cardiac arrest, “None of the above” is not the correct choice.

In summary, for adults/adolescents, the standard and most effective immediate response is to call/activate EMS before providing CPR. This ensures that advanced care is on the way while you provide immediate life-saving interventions.

Steps to follow for an adult/adolescent in cardiac arrest:

  1. Check responsiveness: Tap the person and shout, “Are you okay?”
  2. Call for help: If no response, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
  3. Start CPR: Begin chest compressions. If another person is present, ask them to retrieve an AED if one is available while you start CPR.
  4. Use an AED: As soon as the AED is available, turn it on and follow the prompts to deliver a shock if instructed.
  5. Continue CPR: Continue performing CPR until EMS personnel arrive or the person starts to show signs of life.

Ensuring prompt and accurate actions during an emergency can significantly improve survival rates and outcomes.