Emergency Steps When a Patient Becomes Unresponsive During a Shower Bath

If a patient gasps and becomes unresponsive while on a shower chair:

1. Call for help & activate emergency response — shout for staff; have someone call 911/code team.
2. Assess responsiveness — tap shoulders, shout name.
3. Open airway — head-tilt/chin-lift (jaw-thrust if trauma suspected).
4. Check breathing — look, listen, feel for ≤10 seconds.
5. If not breathing / only gasping: Begin CPR (if trained).
   • Chest compressions: 100–120/min, 2–2.4" depth, full recoil.
   • Minimize interruptions; switch compressors every 2 min.
6. If breathing: Place in recovery position (on side), maintain airway, monitor.
7. Continue until EMS/code team arrives and assumes care.

Additional Actions

• If vomiting: turn head/side to prevent aspiration.
• Retrieve known emergency meds (nitro, epi, rescue inhaler) for responders.
• Document time, findings, interventions, and responders.
• Debrief team afterward.

Rapid recognition and high-quality CPR are the determinants of survival.