Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

What should be done if a casualty is not breathing during a first aid incident?

1. Give them water

2. Check their pulse

3. Commence CPR immediately

4. Monitor them until help arrives

The correct answer is: Commence CPR immediately

When a casualty is not breathing, it is critical to take immediate action to restore their breathing and potentially save their life. Commencing CPR immediately is the correct response in this situation. CPR, which stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, involves chest compressions and rescue breaths. This technique helps maintain blood circulation and oxygenation until emergency medical services can arrive. In the context of first aid, a person who is not breathing is at risk of brain damage and death due to lack of oxygen. Thus, starting CPR as soon as possible can significantly increase the chances of survival. The rapid delivery of chest compressions aids in keeping blood flowing to vital organs and can help revive the casualty. Other actions, such as giving water, checking the pulse, or simply monitoring the casualty without intervention, do not address the life-threatening condition of not breathing. In this scenario, those actions could lead to a delay in essential care, which is why they are not appropriate. Therefore, initiating CPR without hesitation is the necessary and life-saving response to a casualty who is not breathing.