What should you do first if someone is unresponsive and not breathing?

In a situation where an individual is unresponsive and not breathing, the priority is to ensure that help is on the way as quickly as possible. Calling for help – whether it’s emergency medical services or alerting other trained personnel nearby – initiates the response from professionals who can provide advanced medical care.

When someone is found unresponsive and not breathing, the person rendering assistance must first ensure that emergency medical responders are notified. This action can significantly increase the chances of survival for the individual, as timely advanced care can be a critical factor in outcome.

After calling for help, the next steps generally include checking for vital signs and, if necessary, starting CPR and using an AED if one is available. However, ensuring that help is on the way is a critical first step that often underpins the entire emergency response process. This means that while administering CPR and utilizing an AED are essential actions, they should follow the immediate alert for emergency assistance.