If the victim is not breathing, what action should be taken?

If the victim is not breathing, what action should be taken?

• A. Administer CPR.
• B. Call 911.
• C. Wait for medical personnel.
• D. Move the victim to a warmer area.

Answer: (A)

Not breathing means there’s no oxygen being delivered to the brain and other vital organs, so the immediate action is to start CPR to keep blood circulating. Begin chest compressions right away to maintain circulation; if you’re trained, deliver rescue breaths as well (typically 30 compressions to 2 breaths) and continue until help arrives or an AED becomes available. While calling emergency services is important, delaying CPR to make the call lowers survival chances, so CPR should come first. The other options don’t establish or sustain circulation, which is the urgent need when someone isn’t breathing.

Not breathing means there’s no oxygen being delivered to the brain and other vital organs, so the immediate action is to start CPR to keep blood circulating. Begin chest compressions right away to maintain circulation; if you’re trained, deliver rescue breaths as well (typically 30 compressions to 2 breaths) and continue until help arrives or an AED becomes available. While calling emergency services is important, delaying CPR to make the call lowers survival chances, so CPR should come first. The other options don’t establish or sustain circulation, which is the urgent need when someone isn’t breathing.