If a victim has a pulse but is not breathing, what action should you take?

• A. Call Emergency Services
• B. Check for Responsiveness
• C. Start CPR With Two Rescue Breaths to See If Air Enters
• D. Do Chest Compressions Only

Answer: (C)

When a person has a pulse but isn’t breathing, the priority is to provide ventilation to supply oxygen to the body. Deliver two rescue breaths to see if air enters the lungs. If air goes in, continue with breaths at a steady rate (about one every 5–6 seconds) and monitor the person. Chest compressions aren’t started because there is a pulse; compressions are used if there is no pulse. After giving the initial breaths, reassess breathing and pulse and proceed with rescue breathing cycles, stepping up to full CPR with compressions if the pulse is lost or breaths cannot resume. Calling emergency services remains important, but the immediate action focused on restoring ventilation is the correct first step.