What is the first priority for an unconscious person who is not breathing?

• A. Check for a pulse first and then call for help.
• B. Call for help and begin CPR.
• C. Do nothing until EMS arrival.
• D. Check for breathing only.

Answer: (B)

When someone is unconscious and not breathing, the immediate need is to restore circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain and heart. The best first action is to call for emergency help and start CPR right away. Getting help and beginning chest compressions immediately keeps blood flowing, buying time until an AED or advanced care arrives. Checking for a pulse can waste precious seconds and isn’t reliably quick for a bystander, and simply waiting for EMS or checking breathing without starting compressions fails to provide the circulating blood that organs need. Doing nothing is never appropriate in this situation. So the priority is call for help and begin CPR.