Responding to an Unresponsive Patient: A Step-by-Step Guide for Rescuers

A rescuer should begin with an unresponsive patient by assessing responsiveness.

1. Check for responsiveness: Gently shake the person and shout, "Are you okay?" If the person is unresponsive, call for help or activate the emergency response system.

2. Open the airway: Use the head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver to open the person's airway.

3. Check for breathing: Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. If the person is not breathing, start rescue breathing.

4. Check for a pulse: Check carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds. If there pulse, start chest compressions

5. Continue CPR until help arrives: Perform cycles of 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths until an AED arrives or EMS professionals take over.