What immediate action should be taken if a patient is found unresponsive?

What immediate action should be taken if a patient is found unresponsive?

• A. Provide them with food and water
• B. Begin CPR and use an AED if available
• C. Wait for the ambulance to arrive
• D. Assess the patient's family background

Answer: (B)

When a patient is found unresponsive, the primary concern is ensuring their immediate safety and attempting to restore normal breathing and circulation. Beginning CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is critical in such a situation because it can help maintain blood flow to vital organs until emergency medical services arrive. The use of an AED (automated external defibrillator), if available, is also crucial because it can deliver a shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. This immediate medical intervention is life-saving and should be prioritized over any other actions that could delay treatment, such as assessing their family background or providing food and water, which is entirely inappropriate for an unresponsive individual. Waiting for an ambulance also does not address the urgent need for resuscitation in a critical situation. Given that time is of the essence in such emergencies, knowing how to act quickly and effectively can make a significant difference in the patient’s survival chances.

When a patient is found unresponsive, the primary concern is ensuring their immediate safety and attempting to restore normal breathing and circulation. Beginning CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is critical in such a situation because it can help maintain blood flow to vital organs until emergency medical services arrive. The use of an AED (automated external defibrillator), if available, is also crucial because it can deliver a shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

This immediate medical intervention is life-saving and should be prioritized over any other actions that could delay treatment, such as assessing their family background or providing food and water, which is entirely inappropriate for an unresponsive individual. Waiting for an ambulance also does not address the urgent need for resuscitation in a critical situation. Given that time is of the essence in such emergencies, knowing how to act quickly and effectively can make a significant difference in the patient’s survival chances.