Who is primarily responsible for initiating CPR in a healthcare facility?

In a healthcare facility, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are trained to recognize emergencies, including cardiac arrest, and are typically one of the first responders to initiate CPR when needed. Their training emphasizes the importance of immediate action in life-threatening situations, particularly in settings where medical professionals are present.

While it's true that doctors have advanced training and are often responsible for patient care decisions, they may not always be immediately available to initiate CPR. Similarly, emergency medical personnel arrive after the incident has been recognized, meaning they are not usually the initial responders within a healthcare facility context. Bystanders can certainly provide aid, but in a structured healthcare setting, the trained staff members, such as CNAs, have the duty and responsibility to act promptly upon identifying a medical emergency, making them the primary candidates for starting CPR. This proactive stance is vital in increasing the chances of survival for a patient experiencing a cardiac event.