Which of the following is an essential step in the management of a cardiac arrest patient?

In the management of a cardiac arrest patient, initiating high-quality CPR is pivotal because it helps maintain blood flow to vital organs until advanced medical interventions can be applied. High-quality CPR ensures that adequate chest compressions are performed—compressing at the right depth and rate while allowing complete chest recoil. This is critical because it sustains circulation and oxygenation to the brain and other organs, thus improving the chances of survival and minimizing neurological damage.

While administering oxygen is an important component of post-resuscitation care, it does not address the immediate need for circulation during cardiac arrest. Defibrillation is crucial when indicated, but it is most effective when performed following proper assessment and compressions. Waiting for advanced care can result in prolonged periods without circulation, significantly decreasing the likelihood of a positive outcome for the patient. Therefore, the immediate priority in a cardiac arrest scenario is to start high-quality CPR to provide the essential blood flow until additional treatment can be applied.