In cardiac arrest, which problem is the first priority?

In cardiac arrest, which problem is the first priority?

• A. Airway
• B. Circulation & Cardiac
• C. Breathing
• D. Vital Signs

Answer: (B)

Circulation is the first priority. In cardiac arrest, the immediate goal is to sustain blood flow to the brain and heart, so you start high-quality chest compressions right away to maintain coronary and cerebral perfusion. Airway and breathing are important, but they don’t precede circulation in the initial moments—continuing compressions takes precedence to preserve perfusion and buys time for defibrillation if the rhythm is shockable. Once compressions are underway, defibrillate as soon as a shockable rhythm is identified, and manage airway/ventilation in parallel without interrupting CPR for long.

Circulation is the first priority. In cardiac arrest, the immediate goal is to sustain blood flow to the brain and heart, so you start high-quality chest compressions right away to maintain coronary and cerebral perfusion. Airway and breathing are important, but they don’t precede circulation in the initial moments—continuing compressions takes precedence to preserve perfusion and buys time for defibrillation if the rhythm is shockable. Once compressions are underway, defibrillate as soon as a shockable rhythm is identified, and manage airway/ventilation in parallel without interrupting CPR for long.