Among others, which factor has been associated with improved survival in cardiac arrest?

Among others, which factor has been associated with improved survival in cardiac arrest?

• A. Immediate high-quality CPR.
• B. Delayed advanced airway placement.
• C. Avoiding bystander CPR.
• D. Prolonged pauses in chest compressions.

Answer: (A)

Starting chest compressions immediately with high quality is the factor most consistently linked to better survival in cardiac arrest. When CPR is started right away, it maintains perfusion to the heart and brain, buying time for defibrillation (if needed) and for advanced care to restore circulation. High-quality CPR means a rate of about 100–120 compressions per minute, a depth of roughly 2 inches (5 cm) for adults, allowing full chest recoil, and minimizing pauses between compressions so the heart keeps getting blood flow rather than long interruptions that drop perfusion pressure. The other options would hinder survival: delaying advanced airway placement can cause longer pauses and disrupt flow; avoiding bystander CPR eliminates a crucial early lifesaving step; and prolonged pauses in chest compressions drastically reduce the chances of return of spontaneous circulation.

Starting chest compressions immediately with high quality is the factor most consistently linked to better survival in cardiac arrest. When CPR is started right away, it maintains perfusion to the heart and brain, buying time for defibrillation (if needed) and for advanced care to restore circulation. High-quality CPR means a rate of about 100–120 compressions per minute, a depth of roughly 2 inches (5 cm) for adults, allowing full chest recoil, and minimizing pauses between compressions so the heart keeps getting blood flow rather than long interruptions that drop perfusion pressure. The other options would hinder survival: delaying advanced airway placement can cause longer pauses and disrupt flow; avoiding bystander CPR eliminates a crucial early lifesaving step; and prolonged pauses in chest compressions drastically reduce the chances of return of spontaneous circulation.