What is the first step if you encounter a person who has collapsed and is breathing abnormally?

What is the first step if you encounter a person who has collapsed and is breathing abnormally?

• A. Begin CPR
• B. Call 911
• C. Check for a pulse
• D. Shock with AED

Answer: (B)

Activating emergency services right away is the first step. When a person collapses and is breathing abnormally, there’s a real possibility they’re in cardiac arrest. Getting professional help on the scene as quickly as possible is crucial because EMS can deliver advanced care and bring an AED to the patient. While you’re summoning help, you should begin CPR if you’re trained and comfortable doing so, and be ready to use an AED as soon as it’s available and the device instructs you to shock. Checking for a pulse isn’t the best first move here because pulse checks can be unreliable and may delay starting CPR, and shocking with an AED isn’t appropriate before you’ve begun CPR and assessed the situation with the device.

Activating emergency services right away is the first step. When a person collapses and is breathing abnormally, there’s a real possibility they’re in cardiac arrest. Getting professional help on the scene as quickly as possible is crucial because EMS can deliver advanced care and bring an AED to the patient. While you’re summoning help, you should begin CPR if you’re trained and comfortable doing so, and be ready to use an AED as soon as it’s available and the device instructs you to shock.

Checking for a pulse isn’t the best first move here because pulse checks can be unreliable and may delay starting CPR, and shocking with an AED isn’t appropriate before you’ve begun CPR and assessed the situation with the device.