Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What is the role of the team leader during CPR?

1. Deliver CPR compressions

2. Assign roles to team members

3. Administer medications

4. Provide emotional support

The correct answer is: Assign roles to team members

The role of the team leader during CPR is crucial for the effective management of the resuscitation effort. By assigning roles to team members, the team leader ensures that each person has a clear understanding of their responsibilities, which enhances the efficiency and coordination of the team. This organization helps to streamline the process, minimizing confusion and ensuring that critical actions—such as delivering compressions, managing the airway, or using an AED—are performed concurrently and effectively. In a high-stress situation like CPR, having a designated leader to delegate tasks can facilitate communication among team members, allowing them to focus on their specific duties rather than trying to figure out who is supposed to do what. This structured approach is essential for improving the chances of a successful outcome in resuscitation scenarios. While delivering CPR compressions, administering medications, and providing emotional support are all important actions during cardiac arrest scenarios, they fall more under the purview of the other team members rather than the team leader's primary role of directing and coordinating the overall effort. The leader sets the stage for success by ensuring teamwork and clarity in roles.