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Debriefing

Debriefing is an important part of every resuscitation attempt, both during and after the 
attempt. Debriefing is the opportunity for team members to identify why certain actions 
were taken. Debriefing has been shown to

• 

Help individual team members perform better

• 

Aid in identification of system strengths and deficiencies

Implementation of debriefing programs may even improve patient survival after cardiac 
arrest.

Review

1.

 After performing high-quality CPR for 5 minutes, the team leader frequently interrupts 

chest compressions to check for a pulse even though the victim has no organized 

rhythm when the AED analyzes the rhythm. Which action demonstrates constructive 

intervention?

a.  Ask another rescuer what he thinks should be done

b.  Say nothing that contradicts the team leader

c.  Suggest to resume chest compressions without delay

d.  Wait until the debriefing session afterward to discuss it

2.

 The team leader asks you to perform bag-mask ventilation during a resuscitation 

attempt, but you have not perfected that skill. What would be an appropriate action to 

acknowledge your limitations?

a.  Pick up the bag-mask device and give it to another team member

b.  Pretend you did not hear the request and hope the team leader chooses someone 

else to do it

c.  Tell the team leader that you are not comfortable performing that task

d.  Try to do it as best you can and hope another team member will see you 

struggling and take over 

3.

 What is the appropriate action to demonstrate closed-loop communication when the 

team leader assigns you a task?

a.  Repeat back to the team leader the task you were assigned

b.  Nod your head as an acknowledgment of the assigned task 

c.  Start performing the assigned tasks, but do not speak, to minimize noise

d.  Wait for the team leader to address you by name before acknowledging the task

See Answers to Review Questions in the Appendix.

Student Notes

Life Is Why

Education Is Why

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the world—with more than 17 million deaths 
per year. That’s why the AHA is continuously transforming our training solutions as 
science evolves, and driving awareness of how everyone can help save a life.