A person is found unconscious after a drowning incident and is not breathing. What is the priority action?

• A. Provide rescue breaths and assess airway
• B. Wait to see if symptoms progress
• C. Administer milk to soothe throat
• D. Check for a pulse before breathing

Answer: (C)

When someone is unconscious and not breathing after a drowning event, the immediate need is to oxygenate the lungs and restore airway patency. The priority action is to open the airway and start rescue breaths right away. Providing ventilations delivers the oxygen the brain and heart desperately need after submersion, and it sets the stage for effective CPR if the person also has no pulse. If trained, give breaths promptly, reassess the airway if breaths don’t go in, and then continue with CPR (compressions and breaths) as indicated. Do not delay by waiting to check for a pulse, and never give unrelated substances like milk.