What is the protocol for cardiac arrest patients regarding chest compressions?

For cardiac arrest patients, the priority is to initiate chest compressions to promote blood circulation when the heart is unable to effectively pump blood on its own. Starting chest compressions when the heart rate is below 60 beats per minute (BPM) and there are signs of poor perfusion indicates a critical situation where the body is not receiving sufficient blood flow to support vital organs.

In such cases, even if oxygenation has been provided via bag-valve-mask (BVM), it is essential to proceed with compressions since the underlying issue—ineffective cardiac function—needs to be addressed to restore circulation. This action aligns with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) protocols, which stress the urgency of chest compressions in scenarios where a patient exhibits poor perfusion and a low heart rate, as restoring blood flow can drastically impact survival and outcomes.

The other options misinterpret when chest compressions should be initiated. For instance, beginning compressions when the heart rate is above 60 BPM with good perfusion overlooks the need for compressions in cases of cardiac arrest, as good perfusion is an indication that the heart is still functioning adequately. Similarly, assessing blood pressure before initiating compressions can delay critical intervention, and starting compressions for a heart rate