An adult collapses, is unresponsive, and gasps irregularly. You are a CPR-trained lay rescuer. What response is appropriate?
- ATreat the gasping as breathing and place the person in the recovery position
- BCheck for a pulse for up to 30 seconds before deciding
- CGive two rescue breaths and reassess before calling for help
- DActivate emergency response, obtain an AED, and begin CPR
Show answer and explanations
Answer
D
Unresponsive with only gasping is treated as cardiac arrest. The rescuer activates EMS, gets an AED, and starts high-quality compressions.
A
Agonal gasping is a sign of cardiac arrest, not normal breathing; the recovery position delays compressions.
B
Lay rescuers are not expected to check a pulse, and any check by trained providers is limited to 10 seconds.
C
For an adult who collapses, calling for help, getting an AED, and starting compressions come before rescue breaths.
D
Unresponsive with only gasping is treated as cardiac arrest. The rescuer activates EMS, gets an AED, and starts high-quality compressions.