Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation Practice Test

A 55-year-old male collapses at a stadium concourse. Bystanders begin CPR. He has a history of hypertension and prior MI. EMS arrives, confirms arrest, and attaches the AED. You coordinate compressions and ventilations, switching compressors every 2 minutes. You ensure the AED is used promptly, and you follow prompts for rhythm analysis and shock delivery. You base decisions on AHA BLS adult recommendations for early AED use and minimizing CPR interruptions.

When should the AED be utilized during a resuscitation attempt?​

A witnessed arrest occurs in a public place: a 55-year-old male collapses at a shopping mall. He has a history of coronary artery disease and is a smoker. Bystander CPR is in progress when EMS arrives. You confirm unresponsiveness, apnea, and pulselessness. You take over compressions while your partner applies AED pads and prepares the BVM. The AED advises a shock. You clear the patient, deliver the shock, and immediately resume compressions. You follow AHA BLS adult guidance emphasizing early defibrillation and minimal interruptions.

Which intervention is most critical in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest?​