What role does the EMD play in cardiac incidents?

The role of the Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) in cardiac incidents is crucial, and assessing the situation while giving CPR instructions demonstrates the importance of their position in pre-hospital emergency care. When a caller reports a suspected cardiac event, the EMD is responsible for quickly gathering information to assess the severity of the situation. This may include asking questions about the patient's condition, such as the presence of chest pain, difficulty breathing, or unconsciousness.

Providing CPR instructions is a vital aspect of the EMD's duties. By guiding the caller through the process of performing CPR, the EMD ensures that assistance is given to the patient as quickly as possible, which can significantly improve the chances of survival until emergency medical services arrive. This proactive assistance is critical because delays in treatment can lead to worsened outcomes for patients experiencing cardiac arrest.

The other options do not align with the primary responsibilities of an EMD in this context. While first aid is important, EMDs typically do not provide that on-site but rather give instructions over the phone. Dispatching ambulance units is part of the EMD's role, but the active engagement in assessing the situation and providing specific life-saving instructions is a more immediate focus in cardiac incidents. Evaluating the patient's medical history