What should be done if a patient is unresponsive and has no pulse?

In a scenario where a patient is unresponsive and has no pulse, the priority is to initiate CPR immediately. This action is essential because the absence of a pulse indicates that the heart is not pumping blood effectively, which compromises oxygen delivery to vital organs. Initiating CPR helps to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation, which can be critical in preventing brain damage and increasing the chance of survival until professional medical assistance arrives.

Starting CPR involves performing chest compressions and, if trained, providing rescue breaths, which together help to keep blood flowing and deliver oxygen to the lungs. This immediate response can be the difference between life and death, making it a crucial step in emergency care.

While checking for breathing is important in certain situations, the presence of unresponsiveness and lack of a pulse is already indicative of a life-threatening emergency, making CPR the most immediate and appropriate action. Administering oxygen and waiting for medical assistance, though relevant in some contexts, are not the initial steps in this acute situation where direct intervention is needed to address the lack of circulation.