What should you do if you find a patient with no pulse or ability to breathe?

When encountering a patient who shows no pulse or ability to breathe, the immediate and appropriate course of action is to perform CPR. This step is crucial because cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) helps maintain blood flow to vital organs and increases the chances of survival. It is essential to start CPR as soon as possible to provide essential oxygen to the brain and vital organs, which can sustain the patient until more advanced medical help arrives.

Initiating CPR involves performing chest compressions and, if trained, providing rescue breaths. The compressions should be hard and fast, at a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute, with the goal of restoring circulation and breathing until an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be utilized or emergency medical services take over.

The other actions, such as checking for responsive movements, performing a rapid blood pressure assessment, or administering oxygen, are not appropriate in the absence of a pulse and effective respiration. In such critical scenarios, prioritizing chest compressions helps address the more pressing issue of cardiac arrest and ensures that basic life support is rendered swiftly.