You witness someone suddenly collapse. The person is unresponsive, you hear gasping sounds, and there is no pulse. What should you do next?

• A. Begin CPR; the gasps are not normal breathing
• B. Check if they are breathing normally
• C. Wait for EMS
• D. Check pulse for 10 seconds

Answer: (A)

Start CPR immediately. When someone is unresponsive and has no pulse, you are in cardiac arrest, and the priority is to circulate blood to the brain and heart. Gasping can occur during cardiac arrest, but it is not normal, effective breathing and does not mean breathing is adequate. Do not delay CPR to confirm breathing or wait to see if they start breathing normally. Call for help and get an AED as soon as possible, then perform high-quality chest compressions at about 100–120 per minute and about 2 inches deep, with full recoil. If you’re trained and able, after every 30 compressions give 2 rescue breaths; if you’re not trained or uncomfortable giving breaths, continue chest compressions until help arrives or an AED is ready to use.