A caller reports an unresponsive person who is not breathing. What should the dispatcher instruct?

• A. Check for a pulse for 10 seconds
• B. Start CPR immediately and call EMS if not already done
• C. Check for breathing for 20 seconds
• D. Wait for EMS on scene

Answer: (B)

When someone is unresponsive and not breathing, the priority is to restore blood flow to the brain and heart as quickly as possible. Starting CPR immediately delivers crucial chest compressions that circulate oxygenated blood, buying time until EMS arrives and can provide definitive care. Delaying to check for a pulse or to assess breathing for an extended period wastes precious seconds and can lead to worse outcomes, because lay responders often cannot reliably determine pulse or abnormal breathing. The fastest, most effective action is to begin CPR right away and call for EMS if they haven’t already been alerted. If you’re trained, follow the CPR sequence of compressions with breaths; if not, perform continuous chest compressions until help arrives. Waiting for EMS without starting CPR is unacceptable in this scenario.