Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

When a patient becomes unresponsive and apneic, the immediate priority is to ensure that circulation and effective ventilatory support are established. Beginning CPR and analyzing the cardiac rhythm is the first and most critical step because it addresses the time-sensitive nature of potential cardiac arrest.

CPR helps maintain blood flow to vital organs, including the heart and brain, which is crucial when a patient is unresponsive and not breathing. In these situations, every second counts, and starting CPR ensures that any possibility of the heart being in a shockable rhythm can be addressed promptly. Following the initiation of CPR, the cardiac rhythm should be analyzed using an AED or similar device to determine if defibrillation is required.

This approach prioritizes the restoration of circulation and oxygenation, which is vital to improving survival outcomes in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest.