Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

During CPR, how many cycles should be performed before retrieving an AED in an asphyxial arrest?

1. 2 cycles

2. 5 cycles

3. 1 cycle

4. 3 cycles

The correct answer is: 5 cycles

In cases of asphyxial arrest, it is recommended to perform 5 cycles of CPR, which consists of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, before retrieving the AED. The rationale behind this guideline is that immediate high-quality CPR is crucial in maximizing the chances of survival and restoring effective circulation. Performing these cycles helps to maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome when defibrillation can be applied. The American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of continuous CPR to preserve brain function and enhance the effectiveness of later interventions, such as using an AED. Once the initial cycles of CPR have been performed, the AED can then be accessed, allowing for prompt analysis and defibrillation if needed, which is vital for patients experiencing a cardiac event related to asphyxia.