Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

What should be your next step if you find an unresponsive adult with occasional gasps and no pulse?

1. Give 5 abdominal thrusts.

2. Immediately begin CPR, starting with chest compressions.

3. Place the victim in the recovery position.

4. Give 2 ventilations and begin CPR.

The correct answer is: Give 2 ventilations and begin CPR.

The appropriate next step in the scenario of finding an unresponsive adult who has occasional gasps and no pulse is to immediately begin CPR, starting with chest compressions. This is because occasional gasps are not considered normal breathing and typically indicate a serious medical emergency, potentially a cardiac arrest. In a situation where a victim is unresponsive and lacks a pulse, the immediate initiation of CPR is critical to restore blood flow and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. Starting with chest compressions ensures that blood circulation is maintained until advanced medical help can arrive or until the victim shows signs of recovery. Choosing to give ventilations first (which would correspond with the selected answer) would delay the critical step of circulating blood in a situation where there is no pulse. The emphasis is on high-quality compressions, which are vital in increasing the chances of survival. This method aligns with current guidelines, which prioritize chest compressions in adult CPR scenarios under these circumstances. The other options are not appropriate for this situation as they do not facilitate the immediate circulation assistance necessary to potentially save the victim's life.