Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What action should you take when more rescuers arrive at the scene of an emergency?

1. Continue performing the current task

2. Assign tasks to other rescuers

3. Check the AED for battery life

4. Take a break until help arrives

The correct answer is: Assign tasks to other rescuers

When more rescuers arrive at the scene of an emergency, the most effective action is to assign tasks to other rescuers. This is essential because emergency situations can be chaotic, and having a clear division of responsibilities enhances the overall response. By delegating tasks, you can ensure that important interventions, such as providing CPR, using an AED, calling for emergency services, and managing the scene, are all handled efficiently. This coordinated effort maximizes the chances of a positive outcome for the patient. Continuing with the current task alone can lead to important aspects of care being neglected, especially if the initial rescuer is overwhelmed. Checking the AED for battery life, while important, is typically done as part of a systematic approach rather than waiting for multiple rescuers to arrive. Taking a break is not appropriate in an emergency, as immediate action is often critical to maintaining patient viability. Therefore, assigning tasks helps create an organized and effective response to the emergency at hand.