When observing a fall victim in cardiopulmonary arrest, what should the nurse do first?

In a situation where a fall victim is observed in cardiopulmonary arrest, the immediate priority is to initiate chest compressions. This is because chest compressions are critical for maintaining blood circulation to the heart and brain when a person is in cardiac arrest. The brain is highly sensitive to the lack of oxygen, and prompt action can help mitigate potential brain damage caused by inadequate blood flow.

Starting chest compressions as soon as possible is particularly emphasized in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols. The guidelines suggest that if a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, immediate chest compressions should be initiated without delay while someone else calls for emergency medical services if possible. This approach helps to ensure that blood continues to circulate while further help is on the way.

Checking for a pulse and breathing, while a logical step under normal circumstances, requires a brief pause and can delay critical interventions like compressions. Similarly, administering rescue breaths is contingent upon establishing an airway and would typically come after chest compressions have been initiated, unless you are trained in a specific protocol that allows for immediate rescue breaths. Thus, the focus on immediate chest compressions is crucial in this emergency situation to maximize the chance of survival for the fall victim.