During Basic Life Support, if the AED does not recommend a shock, which action in the Primary Assessment should be performed first?

During Basic Life Support, if the AED does not recommend a shock, which action in the Primary Assessment should be performed first?

• A. Determine if the patient's airway is patent
• B. Start chest compressions immediately
• C. Check for a pulse
• D. Look for chest rise

Answer: (A)

Securing an open airway is the first move. If the airway isn’t patent, rescue breaths can’t reach the lungs and ventilation won’t be effective, even if you start compressions. So in the Primary Assessment, you first check and ensure the airway is clear, then proceed with CPR and breaths as indicated. The other checks and actions matter, but they depend on having a clear airway to make ventilation successful.

Securing an open airway is the first move. If the airway isn’t patent, rescue breaths can’t reach the lungs and ventilation won’t be effective, even if you start compressions. So in the Primary Assessment, you first check and ensure the airway is clear, then proceed with CPR and breaths as indicated. The other checks and actions matter, but they depend on having a clear airway to make ventilation successful.