If you find NO breathing or only gasping, and NO pulse within 10 seconds, what should you do?

• A. Start CPR and begin chest compressions
• B. Check for a pulse again
• C. Wait for EMS
• D. Provide rescue breaths only

Answer: (A)

When someone is unresponsive, not breathing normally (or only gasping), and there is no pulse, the body isn’t getting blood to the brain and vital organs. The immediate goal is to circulate blood, so you start chest compressions right away. This keeps oxygenated blood flowing while help is on the way and an AED is obtained if available. Delaying to recheck the pulse or waiting for EMS would waste precious seconds and reduce the chance of survival. If you’re trained, you can activate EMS and provide 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, continuing the cycle with minimal interruptions. If you’re not trained or aren’t comfortable giving rescue breaths, perform hands-only CPR with continuous chest compressions at a rate of about 100–120 per minute. Gasps are not adequate breathing, so don’t wait for normal breathing to resume before acting.