Which action sequence reflects the initial steps in the adult BLS algorithm?

Which action sequence reflects the initial steps in the adult BLS algorithm?

• A. Check breathing and pulse simultaneously; Begin CPR if needed; Activate EMS; Verify scene safety
• B. Verify scene safety; Check responsiveness; Activate the emergency response system and get AED; Look for no breathing and only gasping and check pulse; Begin CPR if no breathing or no gasping and no pulse felt
• C. Begin CPR if no breathing or no gasping and no pulse felt
• D. Get AED before verifying safety

Answer: (B)

In adult BLS, the first actions focus on safety, quick assessment, and getting help and the AED started as soon as possible. You begin by making sure the scene is safe so you and the bystander aren’t in danger. Then you quickly check if the person is responsive. If there’s no response, you activate the emergency response system and get the AED, so defibrillation can be available without delay. After that, you assess whether the person is not breathing normally and check for a pulse. If there is no normal breathing or you detect gasping and there is no pulse, that’s the clear signal to start CPR right away. This sequence ensures you’re safe, you involve others and access to defibrillation early, and you only begin chest compressions when there’s no breathing and no pulse, which is the indication that cardiac arrest is occurring. Other sequences skip or misorder these steps, such as delaying safety checks, delaying calling for help or obtaining the AED, or starting CPR without confirming the lack of normal breathing and pulse. The chosen order keeps the critical timing of safety, help, and defibrillation aligned with the signs that CPR is needed.

In adult BLS, the first actions focus on safety, quick assessment, and getting help and the AED started as soon as possible. You begin by making sure the scene is safe so you and the bystander aren’t in danger. Then you quickly check if the person is responsive. If there’s no response, you activate the emergency response system and get the AED, so defibrillation can be available without delay. After that, you assess whether the person is not breathing normally and check for a pulse. If there is no normal breathing or you detect gasping and there is no pulse, that’s the clear signal to start CPR right away. This sequence ensures you’re safe, you involve others and access to defibrillation early, and you only begin chest compressions when there’s no breathing and no pulse, which is the indication that cardiac arrest is occurring.

Other sequences skip or misorder these steps, such as delaying safety checks, delaying calling for help or obtaining the AED, or starting CPR without confirming the lack of normal breathing and pulse. The chosen order keeps the critical timing of safety, help, and defibrillation aligned with the signs that CPR is needed.