What is the survival rate if defibrillation occurs within the first 3-5 minutes of a cardiac arrest?

The survival rate for a cardiac arrest is significantly influenced by the promptness of defibrillation. If defibrillation occurs within the first 3-5 minutes following a cardiac arrest, survival rates can be quite high, typically falling within the range of 50-70%. This statistic underscores the critical nature of swift intervention during a cardiac event. The earlier the defibrillator is applied, the higher the chances of restoring normal heart rhythm and improving survival outcomes.

Timely defibrillation is essential because, with each passing minute after a cardiac arrest, the likelihood of survival decreases. This emphasizes the importance of rapid response in emergency situations. Immediate defibrillation not only increases survival but also reduces the incidence of long-term neurological damage associated with sustained cardiac arrest.

In contrast, other ranges presented in the other choices do not align with current evidence and guidelines, highlighting how crucial immediate action is within the first few minutes for optimizing patient outcomes.