A patient is pulled from a lake with no respirations and no pulse. The appropriate immediate action is to perform what?

A patient is pulled from a lake with no respirations and no pulse. The appropriate immediate action is to perform what?

• A. Defibrillate and transport
• B. CPR on a backboard with spinal immobilization
• C. Apply oxygen and monitor
• D. Call for advanced help only

Answer: (B)

Initiate high‑quality CPR immediately. When someone is pulled from water with no breathing and no pulse, the priority is to circulate oxygen to the brain and vital organs as quickly as possible, and CPR ( chest compressions with ventilations) provides that. In a drowning incident, the underlying problem is hypoxia, so rapid chest compressions plus rescue breaths are essential to restart circulation while help is arranged. Performing CPR on a firm surface, ideally on a backboard, helps keep compressions effective, and immobilization is a precaution if spine injury is suspected during the rescue. Defibrillation isn’t the first move here unless a shockable rhythm is confirmed, and simply applying oxygen or delaying resuscitation would not address the cardiac arrest. Call for advanced help and, as soon as an AED is available, use it if indicated.

Initiate high‑quality CPR immediately. When someone is pulled from water with no breathing and no pulse, the priority is to circulate oxygen to the brain and vital organs as quickly as possible, and CPR ( chest compressions with ventilations) provides that. In a drowning incident, the underlying problem is hypoxia, so rapid chest compressions plus rescue breaths are essential to restart circulation while help is arranged. Performing CPR on a firm surface, ideally on a backboard, helps keep compressions effective, and immobilization is a precaution if spine injury is suspected during the rescue. Defibrillation isn’t the first move here unless a shockable rhythm is confirmed, and simply applying oxygen or delaying resuscitation would not address the cardiac arrest. Call for advanced help and, as soon as an AED is available, use it if indicated.