What factor is essential to determine if a patient in cardiac arrest should be transported?

The essential factor for determining the need for transport of a patient in cardiac arrest primarily revolves around the patient's clinical status, specifically the achievement of Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC). When a patient regains a pulse, indicating that their heart has started beating effectively again, it is crucial to transport them for further definitive care, as this is typically the goal of resuscitation efforts in the field.

The decision to transport should be made with the ultimate condition of the patient taken into account, which includes assessing whether ROSC has been achieved. It is necessary to ensure the patient is stable enough for transport, as rapid transport is vital once ROSC occurs. If transport time is a consideration, it should not be the sole determining factor, since the patient's physiological condition and responsiveness to treatment are critically more important in guiding care.

Ultimately, the aim of emergency medical services in this situation is to ensure that the patient gets comprehensive medical management as soon as possible, which hinges heavily on cardiac output and stability as represented by the presence of ROSC.