If you do not feel a pulse within 10 seconds or the heart rate is 60/min or less, what action should you take?

If you do not feel a pulse within 10 seconds or the heart rate is 60/min or less, what action should you take?

• A. Begin high-quality CPR starting with chest compressions
• B. Wait for 20 more seconds to confirm
• C. Check for a pulse again for 10 more seconds
• D. Start rescue breaths only

Answer: (A)

When there’s no pulse detected within a brief check (or the heart rate is 60/min or less) in an unresponsive adult, you start CPR immediately, beginning with chest compressions. The reason is that without effective circulation, brain and other organs need blood flow right away. Chest compressions provide that circulating pressure while you arrange for defibrillation or additional help. High-quality CPR means compressions about 2 inches (5 cm) deep at a rate of 100–120 per minute, allowing full chest recoil between compressions, and minimizing interruptions. If you’re trained and able, you can pair compressions with rescue breaths (30 compressions to 2 breaths) and continue until an AED arrives or professional help takes over. Delaying to wait longer or to recheck the pulse wastes critical time and can worsen outcomes. Starting compressions now is the priority. If an AED is available, turn it on and follow its prompts as you continue CPR.

When there’s no pulse detected within a brief check (or the heart rate is 60/min or less) in an unresponsive adult, you start CPR immediately, beginning with chest compressions. The reason is that without effective circulation, brain and other organs need blood flow right away. Chest compressions provide that circulating pressure while you arrange for defibrillation or additional help.

High-quality CPR means compressions about 2 inches (5 cm) deep at a rate of 100–120 per minute, allowing full chest recoil between compressions, and minimizing interruptions. If you’re trained and able, you can pair compressions with rescue breaths (30 compressions to 2 breaths) and continue until an AED arrives or professional help takes over.

Delaying to wait longer or to recheck the pulse wastes critical time and can worsen outcomes. Starting compressions now is the priority. If an AED is available, turn it on and follow its prompts as you continue CPR.