In the case of a cardiac arrest, what is the first step a paramedic should take?

In the event of a cardiac arrest, the first step a paramedic should take is to assess for breathing and pulse. This crucial action helps determine whether the patient is indeed experiencing a cardiac arrest or if there is a different emergency that might require a different approach. By checking for these vital signs, the paramedic can quickly confirm the absence of both breathing and pulse, which indicates that immediate resuscitation efforts such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are necessary.

This step is foundational in the chain of survival, as it sets the stage for subsequent interventions. Initiating CPR promptly increases the chances of survival for the patient by maintaining blood circulation and oxygenation until advanced care can be provided. Assessing breathing and pulse occurs before other actions like starting IV access, alerting the hospital, or administering medication, which are essential but come after confirming the critical status of the patient.