What is the role of a first responder when encountering a victim who is not breathing?

The role of a first responder when encountering a victim who is not breathing is to perform CPR immediately. Initiating CPR is crucial in such situations because it helps circulate oxygen-rich blood to vital organs, particularly the brain, which can suffer irreversible damage within minutes if deprived of oxygen.

When it is determined that an individual is not breathing, the first responder must act quickly to provide chest compressions combined with rescue breaths if trained to do so. This action aims to restore circulation and oxygen levels until emergency medical services (EMS) can take over. CPR can significantly enhance the victim's chances of survival by maintaining blood flow and delaying the onset of severe complications.

Waiting for EMS to arrive or merely checking for responsiveness do not address the immediate needs of a victim who is not breathing, as these actions delay critical care that might be necessary to preserve life. Similarly, providing rescue breaths alone, without chest compressions, also does not provide the adequate level of circulation needed in an emergency situation. Therefore, immediate initiation of CPR is essential and represents the appropriate action for a first responder.