JBL EMT Practice Exam

A 67-year-old female with severe chest pain becomes unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic during transport. You should:

1. alert the receiving hospital and perform CPR for the duration of the transport

2. defibrillate with the AED while continuing transport to the hospital

3. perform CPR for 1 to 2 minutes and then analyze her rhythm with an AED

4. stop the ambulance, begin CPR, and attach the AED as soon as possible

The correct answer is: alert the receiving hospital and perform CPR for the duration of the transport

In this scenario, the correct course of action would be to alert the receiving hospital and perform CPR for the duration of the transport. When a patient becomes unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic, it is crucial to immediately start CPR to circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body. By continuing CPR during transport and alerting the hospital, the healthcare team at the receiving facility can prepare for the patient's arrival and ensure that necessary resources are ready for immediate care upon arrival. This approach maximizes the chances of a positive outcome for the patient. Performing CPR for the duration of transport is vital as it sustains essential circulation and oxygenation to the vital organs, including the brain, increasing the likelihood of the patient's survival. It is important to note that stopping CPR during transport could significantly impact the patient's chances of survival. Options B, C, and D are not the most appropriate actions in this scenario. Defibrillation with an AED (Option B) may be necessary if a shockable rhythm is detected, but CPR should be initiated first in an unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic patient. While analyzing the rhythm with an AED (Option C) is important, initiating CPR takes precedence in this critical situation. Stopping the ambulance to begin CPR and attach the AED (Option D) would delay vital life-saving interventions that should be initiated without delay.