An adult casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally. With the scene safe and following emergency-service instructions, which technique should be started?

Correct answer

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, starting with chest compressions.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Call emergency services promptly, use speakerphone and follow instructions. Start chest compressions; if trained and able to provide breaths, alternate 30 compressions with 2 breaths. Otherwise provide continuous compressions following instructions. Request a defibrillator and follow its instructions if available. Cardiac massage is the compression component of CPR, not an exact synonym for the whole technique. Breaths alone without compressions are insufficient in cardiac arrest.