If a person has stopped breathing, what is the immediate action?

• A. Start Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation at once
• B. Call for help only
• C. Wait and see
• D. Give aspirin

Answer: (A)

When someone stops breathing, the brain and other vital organs are at risk within minutes, so the immediate action is to start CPR right away. Chest compressions keep blood circulating, delivering whatever oxygen is in the blood to the heart and brain while you get help on the way. If you’re trained, you can also give rescue breaths after about 30 compressions and continue, but if you’re not trained, focus on continuous chest compressions at a steady rate (about 100–120 per minute) until help arrives. Don’t wait to see or delay for other actions; calling for help should be done as you begin CPR so responders know to come quickly. Giving aspirin is not a treatment for someone who has stopped breathing.