What is the primary course of action for a person in cardiogenic shock?

In cardiogenic shock, the heart is unable to pump effectively, which leads to inadequate circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs. The immediate priority is to ensure that the individual receives advanced medical assistance as quickly as possible. Calling emergency medical services (EMS) is crucial because professional medical personnel can provide interventions such as medications, advanced airway management, and possibly defibrillation if needed.

While providing fluids might seem beneficial, in the case of cardiogenic shock, which is primarily due to heart failure rather than volume depletion, administering fluids can sometimes be counterproductive. It may overload the already failing heart and worsen the patient’s condition. Therefore, the primary action should focus on activating emergency services and preparing to perform CPR if the person becomes unresponsive or has no pulse. This underscores the importance of initiating the chain of survival through prompt and accurate emergency response.