If an arrest is unwitnessed, what is your first priority?

In the case of an unwitnessed arrest, the first priority is to begin CPR. This is critical because immediate high-quality chest compressions can significantly increase the chances of survival for the patient. When an arrest occurs and is unwitnessed, there is no indication of how long the patient has been in this state, which means that the likelihood of irreversible brain damage increases rapidly. Starting CPR promptly helps maintain blood flow to the heart and brain, which is essential until emergency medical services can arrive or the defibrillator can be used.

Initiating defibrillation is an important step, particularly in witnessed arrests due to the urgency of addressing certain arrhythmias; however, without an established cardiac rhythm, the priority is to establish circulation through effective chest compressions. Checking for a pulse can delay critical lifesaving measures, as it often consumes time that could be better spent providing immediate care. Contacting medical control may be necessary for guidance but does not take precedence over directly starting CPR when faced with a life-threatening situation.

Thus, beginning CPR first serves as an essential immediate intervention to enhance survival outcomes in the context of an unwitnessed cardiac arrest.