What should be the primary focus during a cardiac arrest?

The primary focus during a cardiac arrest should be on starting chest compressions and calling for advanced help. This approach aligns with the critical goal of early intervention to improve the chances of survival. Chest compressions are vital because they provide essential blood flow to the heart and brain, which is crucial when the heart is not effectively pumping blood. The immediacy of initiating compressions can significantly increase the likelihood of a successful resuscitation.

Calling for advanced help simultaneously ensures that emergency medical services are en route, which is necessary for providing more advanced care, including medication administration and defibrillation if indicated. This chain of survival emphasizes the importance of initiating basic life support measures promptly while ensuring the more skilled responders are on their way.

Other options, such as administering medications or checking for a pulse, can delay the critical first step of performing compressions, and using a defibrillator immediately without adequate compressions may not be as effective as the combined approach of compressions and calling for assistance.