Upon recognizing a person is in cardiac arrest, what should you do immediately after calling 9-1-1?

Beginning CPR with chest compressions and breaths right after calling 9-1-1 is paramount because it helps to ensure that blood continues to circulate to vital organs until emergency medical services can arrive. Cardiac arrest results in the cessation of effective blood flow, which can lead to irreversible damage to the brain and other organs within minutes. By initiating CPR immediately, you provide artificial circulation, which can significantly increase the chances of survival and recovery for the person in cardiac arrest.

The timing of CPR after recognizing cardiac arrest is critical; the earlier it is started, the better the outcome. Emergency services may take several minutes to arrive, and without immediate action, the person's chance of survival decreases rapidly. In this situation, prioritizing CPR over other actions is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of the response to a cardiac arrest scenario.