What are the essential steps of performing CPR on an adult?

What are the essential steps of performing CPR on an adult?

• A. Check responsiveness, call for help, start chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute and depth about 2 inches, provide rescue breaths if trained, use an AED as soon as available
• B. Check responsiveness, call for help, pause for breathing assessment, then call EMS
• C. Check pulse for a minute, then start chest compressions
• D. Start chest compressions immediately without calling for help

Answer: (A)

Performing CPR on an adult hinges on quickly assessing the situation, summoning help, and delivering high-quality chest compressions while using an AED as soon as it’s available. The best sequence starts with checking responsiveness, calling for help, and getting an AED. Then begin chest compressions right away at a rate of 100–120 per minute and a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm), allowing the chest to recoil fully between pushes. If you’re trained, provide rescue breaths to go with the compressions, typically a 30:2 ratio, though hands-only CPR is acceptable for bystanders who aren’t trained or are uncomfortable giving breaths. As soon as an AED arrives, apply it and follow the prompts. Other options don’t fit because pausing to assess breathing can delay meaningful action, checking a pulse for a full minute is unreliable and slows response, and starting compressions without calling for help (or without using an AED) delays lifesaving defibrillation.

Performing CPR on an adult hinges on quickly assessing the situation, summoning help, and delivering high-quality chest compressions while using an AED as soon as it’s available. The best sequence starts with checking responsiveness, calling for help, and getting an AED. Then begin chest compressions right away at a rate of 100–120 per minute and a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm), allowing the chest to recoil fully between pushes. If you’re trained, provide rescue breaths to go with the compressions, typically a 30:2 ratio, though hands-only CPR is acceptable for bystanders who aren’t trained or are uncomfortable giving breaths. As soon as an AED arrives, apply it and follow the prompts.

Other options don’t fit because pausing to assess breathing can delay meaningful action, checking a pulse for a full minute is unreliable and slows response, and starting compressions without calling for help (or without using an AED) delays lifesaving defibrillation.