What should you do if someone is found unconscious and not breathing?

When encountering someone who is found unconscious and not breathing, the immediate response is to begin CPR. This action is crucial because when a person is not breathing, they are not getting oxygen, which is vital for survival. The heart may still be beating, but without oxygenated blood, irreversible brain damage can occur within minutes, and the risk of death increases significantly.

Starting CPR involves chest compressions followed by rescue breaths, which help to circulate any remaining blood in the body and provide ventilation, thereby increasing the chances of survival until emergency medical assistance arrives. This prompt action can help maintain vital organs, particularly the brain, by ensuring some level of oxygen supply during the critical moments before professional help can take over.

Options involving waiting for help, checking for a pulse, or shaking the person are not appropriate first responses in a scenario where the individual is unconscious and not breathing. These actions can lead to delays in crucial life-saving measures. Immediate CPR is the most effective response in such emergencies, emphasizing the importance of training and preparedness in first aid situations.