Under what circumstance do you go straight to a PAI?

Going straight to a Patient Advice Instruction (PAI) is appropriate in cases of cardiac arrest due to the critical nature of the emergency. Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening situation where immediate action is essential for survival. The MPDS emphasizes the importance of providing instructions for CPR and other lifesaving measures as soon as it is recognized that the patient is unresponsive and not breathing. In this scenario, a structured and immediate response is vital, and the PAI serves as a crucial guide for dispatchers to direct bystanders or first responders in providing assistance until emergency services arrive.

In contrast, while severe bleeding, choking incidents, and head injuries are also serious situations, they may require additional assessment or questions before proceeding to a PAI. For example, severe bleeding management might include securing the airway and controlling the bleeding, while choking may require specific instructions tailored to the situation (e.g., whether the victim is conscious or unconscious). Head injuries might necessitate evaluating consciousness, responsiveness, and other symptoms before delivering appropriate instructions. Cardiac arrest distinctly requires immediate intervention, thereby justifying direct access to the PAI in this instance.