You witness someone suddenly collapse. The person is unresponsive, you hear gasping sounds, and there is no pulse. What should you do next?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
If you witness someone suddenly collapse, is unresponsive, and is gasping with no pulse, the immediate action you should take is to begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and call for emergency help. Here’s what you should do in detail:
- Check the scene for safety. Ensure that both you and the victim are in a safe environment.
- Check for responsiveness: Tap the person and shout loudly to see if they respond. If there’s no response, proceed to the next step.
- Call for help: Call 911 (or your local emergency number). If possible, have someone else make the call so you can begin CPR immediately.
- Begin chest compressions:
- Place your hands: Position your hands in the center of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone.
- Perform compressions: Use your upper body weight to push down hard and fast, at a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute, with a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm). Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions to allow the heart to refill with blood.
- Provide rescue breaths (if trained):
- After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Pinch the nose, and give a breath that lasts about 1 second, ensuring the chest rises with each breath.
- If you’re not trained in giving breaths or uncomfortable with it, continue with hands-only CPR (just chest compressions).
- Continue CPR until help arrives** or the person shows signs of life (e.g., breathing, movement). If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, follow the device’s instructions immediately.
Explanation:
The person is likely experiencing cardiac arrest, where the heart has stopped pumping blood effectively, leading to a lack of oxygen to vital organs, including the brain. The gasping sounds (agonal breathing) are irregular and often indicate insufficient breathing. Without intervention, brain damage or death can occur within minutes.
CPR helps keep blood circulating to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, until professional medical help can restore normal heart function. Chest compressions are the most important part of CPR because they maintain blood flow, especially to the brain. Rescue breaths are important if you’re trained, but if you’re not, hands-only CPR (chest compressions only) can still be life-saving.