What should you do if you suspect someone is in cardiac arrest?

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When someone is suspected to be in cardiac arrest, the immediate steps are crucial for their survival. Initiating CPR immediately is vital because it helps maintain blood flow to vital organs until professional medical help arrives. Cardiac arrest leads to the cessation of heart function, and without immediate intervention like CPR, the chances of survival diminish rapidly.

Calling for help and obtaining an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is equally important. The AED can provide life-saving electric shocks that can restore a normal heart rhythm. Time is of the essence in this scenario, as each moment without adequate circulation increases the risk of irreversible brain damage and death.

Therefore, combining the immediate action of starting CPR and ensuring that an AED is accessible maximizes the chances of survival for the individual experiencing cardiac arrest. The correct response encompasses both the urgency of CPR and the necessity of contacting emergency services and obtaining an AED, illustrating the importance of a coordinated emergency response.