What action should you take if CPR is interrupted?

Resuming CPR immediately is crucial because every second counts when it comes to maintaining blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs in a person experiencing cardiac arrest. Interruptions in CPR can lead to a decrease in the chances of survival, as brain cells begin to die within just a few minutes without oxygen.

The guidelines emphasize that rescue breaths and chest compressions should continue uninterrupted as much as possible. If CPR has to be paused—such as when an AED is applied—you should resume it as soon as the situation allows. Delays in initiating or resuming CPR can significantly decrease the likelihood of a positive outcome, so acting swiftly is essential.

While other actions like checking the victim's pulse, waiting, or calling for additional help can be important in specific contexts, they should not take precedence over resuming chest compressions and rescue breaths when a trained rescuer is present and can continue providing CPR. Therefore, the best course of action, as indicated, is to resume CPR immediately.