Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

You find an unresponsive adult on the floor in the locker room who has a pulse but is not breathing. What should you do next after summoning EMS personnel?

1. Give ventilations at a rate of about every 5-6 seconds.

2. Give back blows and chest thrusts.

3. Give quick breaths at the rate of 20 to 40 a minute.

4. Perform CPR.

The correct answer is: Give ventilations at a rate of about every 5-6 seconds.

When you encounter an unresponsive adult who has a pulse but is not breathing, it's crucial to provide ventilations to ensure that the person receives the necessary oxygen. Administering ventilations at a rate of about every 5-6 seconds is appropriate in this scenario, as it allows for adequate time between breaths to avoid hyperventilation while still providing sufficient oxygen to the lungs. This method is particularly important because, even though the individual has a pulse, the absence of breathing means they are not effectively delivering oxygen to their bloodstream, which can lead to hypoxia. By giving ventilations, you help to restore some level of oxygenation and maintain their vital organs until emergency medical services arrive. In contrast, other options like giving back blows and chest thrusts are meant for airway obstruction and would not be appropriate here since the person is unresponsive with a detectable pulse. Quick breaths at an excessively high rate, such as 20 to 40 per minute, can also be counterproductive, as it does not allow for proper lung expansion and may cause the person to receive less effective ventilations. Performing CPR, which typically involves chest compressions, is unnecessary given that the person has a pulse; CPR is indicated only when there is no pulse. Thus,