In a code situation, what is the first step healthcare providers should perform for a patient in cardiac arrest?

In a code situation where a patient is in cardiac arrest, the first step healthcare providers should perform is to begin high-quality CPR. This critical action serves as the foundation for all subsequent interventions. High-quality CPR helps to maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs, which is essential for preventing irreversible damage during the minutes before a defibrillator can be applied or other advanced interventions can be performed.

Starting CPR immediately also ensures that compressions are initiated without delay, which is crucial for the survival of the patient. The chest compressions should be performed at the correct rate and depth to maximize effectiveness, aiming to provide a sufficient blood flow to the heart and brain until advanced measures can restore a normal rhythm.

In contrast, while establishing IV access, defibrillating, and administering medications are important components of advanced life support, they should occur after effective CPR has been initiated. Each of these actions may require a stable blood flow to be most effective, and without beginning CPR first, opportunities for successful resuscitation are significantly diminished.