Before transporting a patient in cardiac arrest, what is essential to do?

In cases of cardiac arrest, performing high-quality CPR is crucial to maintain blood flow to vital organs and increase the chances of resuscitation. Completing a minimum of five 2-minute cycles of resuscitation ensures that adequate compressions and ventilations are provided to the patient before transport. This protocol is designed to maximize the chances of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) by allowing for a sustained effort in rhythm and depth of compressions without interruption, which can compromise the effectiveness of resuscitation efforts.

In emergency situations, such as cardiac arrest, transport should only occur after significant resuscitation efforts have been made. This includes the provision of at least five cycles of CPR, as doing so adheres to the established guidelines endorsed by emergency medical services and resuscitation organizations. Other considerations, such as checking for a pulse or administering medications, are important but do not take precedence over the need for effective resuscitation before moving a patient who is unresponsive and experiencing cardiac arrest.