What is the appropriate response if someone is not breathing?

Performing CPR immediately is the appropriate response if someone is not breathing because it is a life-saving technique that can help maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs until advanced medical help arrives. When a person is unresponsive and not breathing, their heart may also have stopped or is not effectively pumping blood, which can lead to irreversible damage or death within minutes.

By starting CPR, you are providing essential oxygen to the body through chest compressions and, if trained, through rescue breaths as well. This immediate action can significantly increase the person’s chances of survival and recovery.

In contrast, waiting for the person to regain consciousness or calling for emergency services without taking immediate action can result in a fatal outcome due to the lack of oxygen reaching critical organs. Administering water to the victim is inappropriate and can be dangerous, as it may lead to choking or aspiration, especially if the person is unconscious or unable to swallow.