What should be done if the patient is unresponsive and not breathing?

In situations where a patient is unresponsive and not breathing, immediate action is crucial to increase the chances of survival. Performing CPR right away is vital because it helps to maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs, effectively buying time until professional medical help arrives. The primary goal in this scenario is to restore circulation and provide oxygen to the body, specifically the brain, as prolonged lack of oxygen can lead to irreversible damage.

Checking for a pulse may seem important, but it can waste valuable time. If you find that the patient shows no signs of breathing or pulse, you must transition immediately to CPR. Waiting for someone to arrive is not advisable, as brain damage can occur within minutes of a heart stopping. Tilting the head back can be part of airway management but does not address the critical need for immediate chest compressions and rescue breaths in this emergency situation. Therefore, performing CPR immediately is the appropriate and life-saving action to take.