Which emergency response following a heart attack enhances the likelihood of survival?

Which emergency response following a heart attack enhances the likelihood of survival?

• A. Immediate calling for an ambulance
• B. Administering oxygen therapy
• C. Providing comfort and reassurance
• D. Performing early CPR and using an AED

Answer: (D)

Performing early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) are critical actions that significantly enhance the likelihood of survival following a heart attack. When a person suffers a heart attack, their heart may stop beating effectively or may go into a lethal rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation. In such cases, blood is no longer circulating effectively, depriving vital organs of oxygen. Early CPR helps to maintain blood flow to the brain and other organs. By providing chest compressions, rescuers can manually pump blood, which can extend the window of time available for effective intervention. Additionally, an AED is designed to analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver a shock to restore a normal heartbeat. The combination of CPR and timely defibrillation increases the chances of survival and favorable neurological outcomes. While calling for an ambulance is essential, the immediate actions taken before professional help arrives can significantly impact survival rates. Administering oxygen therapy and providing comfort can be supportive but do not directly address the critical need for immediate blood circulation and defibrillation.

Performing early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) are critical actions that significantly enhance the likelihood of survival following a heart attack. When a person suffers a heart attack, their heart may stop beating effectively or may go into a lethal rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation. In such cases, blood is no longer circulating effectively, depriving vital organs of oxygen.

Early CPR helps to maintain blood flow to the brain and other organs. By providing chest compressions, rescuers can manually pump blood, which can extend the window of time available for effective intervention. Additionally, an AED is designed to analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver a shock to restore a normal heartbeat. The combination of CPR and timely defibrillation increases the chances of survival and favorable neurological outcomes.

While calling for an ambulance is essential, the immediate actions taken before professional help arrives can significantly impact survival rates. Administering oxygen therapy and providing comfort can be supportive but do not directly address the critical need for immediate blood circulation and defibrillation.