If not breathing normally or no pulse in an unresponsive adult, what should you do?

• A. Call EMS immediately.
• B. Start CPR immediately.
• C. Check for a pulse for 1 minute.
• D. Give only rescue breaths.

Answer: (B)

When an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally or has no pulse, the priority is to start CPR right away to keep blood circulating. Brain and heart tissue suffer damage quickly without oxygen, so providing chest compressions immediately maintains some blood flow until advanced help or an AED can take over. If you can, have someone call EMS and bring an AED while you begin CPR, or do it yourself if you’re alone and can manage both tasks. Waiting to check for a pulse for a full minute wastes precious seconds, and giving only rescue breaths does not supply the essential circulation the body needs. So the best action is to start CPR immediately.