What is indicated by an absence of pulse and unresponsiveness?

The absence of pulse and unresponsiveness are clear indicators of cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood effectively, leading to a lack of circulation and a failure to deliver oxygen to vital organs. This results in the person being unresponsive and, as the condition progresses, an absence of pulse is a definitive sign that the heart has stopped functioning.

In the event of cardiac arrest, immediate intervention is crucial. The use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help maintain blood circulation and oxygenation until advanced medical help arrives or defibrillation can be performed if the situation allows. Recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest allows for timely and life-saving actions, differentiating it from other critical conditions such as shock, respiratory failure, or severe injury, which may present with different symptoms or physiological findings.