Should a medical assistant check with a physician before performing CPR?

In a medical emergency, particularly in cases of cardiac arrest, the priority is to provide immediate care to the patient. Medical assistants are trained to initiate CPR as soon as it is determined that a patient is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally. The guidelines established by organizations such as the American Heart Association emphasize that CPR should begin without delay, as the chances of survival decrease significantly within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.

Waiting for a physician’s approval before starting CPR can lead to critical delays that compromise the patient's chances of recovery. In such emergencies, medical assistants are often expected to take initiative and act according to their training and established protocols. Therefore, it is essential for medical assistants to understand their role in emergency situations and to be empowered to make decisions that prioritize patient care and safety.