What is an important consideration when assessing a cardiac arrest call?

When addressing a cardiac arrest call, determining if the patient is breathing or has a pulse is paramount. This critical assessment guides the immediate response of emergency medical services and informs the dispatcher and responders about the necessary interventions to take. In cases of cardiac arrest, time is of the essence; if the patient is not breathing or does not have a pulse, immediate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) may be required to restore circulation and oxygenation.

Quickly identifying whether the patient is breathing or has a pulse not only aids in appropriate care but also helps dictate the urgency and type of pre-arrival instructions that may be given to bystanders. The situation in a cardiac arrest is dynamic, and every second counts in improving the chances of a positive outcome, making this assessment a critical element in emergency dispatch protocols.