Which intervention is critical for a patient in cardiac arrest?

Performing CPR is critical for a patient in cardiac arrest because it serves as a vital intervention to maintain blood flow to the heart and brain when the heart is not pumping effectively. The immediate initiation of chest compressions helps to circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs, which can significantly increase the chances of survival until advanced medical help arrives or the heart can be restarted.

In cardiac arrest scenarios, time is of the essence, and effective CPR can double or even triple the likelihood of survival. It is crucial that chest compressions are performed at the correct rate and depth to ensure adequate blood circulation. This is why CPR is emphasized in BLS training as the first and foremost response to cardiac arrest. Other interventions may have their place in a broader emergency response, but without CPR, the chances of recovery diminish dramatically.