What should you do if a patient is unresponsive and not breathing?

When a patient is unresponsive and not breathing, the immediate priority is to ensure their safety and provide necessary care to address a potentially life-threatening situation. Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is critical in this scenario. This action helps to maintain blood circulation and oxygen flow to vital organs, such as the brain, which can be crucial for survival and reducing the risk of long-term damage.

Calling for emergency services is essential because advanced medical assistance is required to manage the patient’s condition effectively. Emergency responders can provide advanced care that is beyond basic first aid, such as medication or defibrillation if necessary.

Other options, such as checking the pulse or placing the patient in the recovery position, would not be adequate responses in this situation. Checking for a pulse does not provide immediate support or care and can waste critical time. Placing the patient in the recovery position is appropriate only if they are breathing but unresponsive, which is not applicable here. Waiting for the patient to regain consciousness would also pose significant risk, as they may not be able to breathe adequately without intervention.

Therefore, the combination of calling for emergency services and starting CPR is the most effective and urgent response to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.