You have been called to a public pool for an unresponsive patient. On arrival you find lifeguards performing CPR with a pocket mask and oxygen on a 67-year-old man. They report that the patient was in the water and was seen clutching his chest seconds before going unresponsive. He was immediately pulled from the water and CPR was initiated. They estimate that CPR has been performed for five

minutes. Assessment shows the man to be unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. Which one of the following is your FIRST response?

A) "Stop CPR and let us apply the AED."
B) "We need to quickly dry him from head to toe before applying the AED."
C) "Let us take a towel and dry off his chest."
D) "Let us start ventilation with a bag-valve mask and oxygen."

Answer: C