ScribeAmerica Emergency Room Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In the event of a cardiac arrest, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial as it helps maintain blood flow to vital organs until advanced medical interventions can be initiated. CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths, which can help keep the heart and brain supplied with oxygenated blood, thereby increasing the chances of survival and recovery.

While intubation may be necessary later in the resuscitation process to secure the airway and provide effective ventilation, it is not the immediate priority during a cardiac arrest. CPAP/BIPAP are non-invasive ventilation methods that are inappropriate for someone who is unresponsive and requires immediate cardiopulmonary support. Incision and drainage are surgical procedures used to treat infections or abscesses, which do not apply in the context of a cardiac emergency.

Thus, initiating CPR as the first response in the case of cardiac arrest is essential to improve the chances of successful resuscitation.