What is the correct order of actions for an adult experiencing an in-flight medical emergency requiring CPR?

• A. Check responsiveness, call for help, begin chest compressions at 100–120 per minute with a depth of about 5 cm, allow full recoil, and use an AED as soon as available.
• B. Call for help, check responsiveness, begin chest compressions at 60–80 per minute, and skip AED.
• C. Check breathing, call for help, start breaths every 5 seconds.
• D. Begin chest compressions immediately without checking responsiveness or calling for help.

Answer: (A)

High-quality CPR for an adult in cardiac arrest starts with prompt recognition and rapid defibrillation when an AED is available. The best sequence is to check if the person is unresponsive, then call for help and obtain the AED. When you start compressions, push hard and fast at about 100 to 120 compressions per minute and about 5 cm (2 inches) deep, allowing the chest to fully recoil between pushes. This pattern maximizes blood flow and keeps the heart ready to respond after a shock. Use the AED as soon as it’s on hand and follow its prompts. In-flight, this approach is especially important because access to advanced care is limited, so getting high-quality chest compressions started quickly and delivering defibrillation as soon as possible gives the best chance of survival. Other options either delay essential steps, use an incorrect compression rate or depth, or omit defibrillation, all of which reduce effectiveness and survival chances.