If the victim is not breathing but has a pulse, what action should you take?

If the victim is not breathing but has a pulse, what action should you take?

• A. Mouth to mouth resuscitation
• B. Chest compressions only
• C. Defibrillation immediately
• D. Call for help and wait

Answer: (A)

Not breathing while the heart still beats means you need to provide ventilation to restore oxygen delivery. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation delivers air to the lungs when breathing is absent, supporting oxygenation of the blood that the heart is still circulating. Start with two rescue breaths and watch for the chest to rise, then continue with one breath every 5 to 6 seconds (about 10–12 breaths per minute) until help arrives or the person resumes breathing. Chest compressions aren’t used because there is a pulse, and defibrillation isn’t indicated while a pulse is present. If possible, call for help immediately and have an AED ready for use if needed.

Not breathing while the heart still beats means you need to provide ventilation to restore oxygen delivery. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation delivers air to the lungs when breathing is absent, supporting oxygenation of the blood that the heart is still circulating. Start with two rescue breaths and watch for the chest to rise, then continue with one breath every 5 to 6 seconds (about 10–12 breaths per minute) until help arrives or the person resumes breathing. Chest compressions aren’t used because there is a pulse, and defibrillation isn’t indicated while a pulse is present. If possible, call for help immediately and have an AED ready for use if needed.