What is a common initial response to a casualty who is not breathing?

When encountering a casualty who is not breathing, the most immediate and appropriate response is to provide rescue breaths. This action is critical in situations where the casualty has experienced respiratory arrest, as it ensures that oxygen continues to flow into the lungs and subsequently into the bloodstream, which is essential for maintaining vital organ function and overall survival.

Rescue breaths are typically administered in conjunction with chest compressions if the individual is in cardiac arrest, as part of the basic life support (BLS) protocol. In such cases, providing rescue breaths helps to sustain oxygenation until advanced medical care can be accessed. The focus on providing breaths before engaging in other actions highlights the urgency of re-establishing an airway and ensuring oxygen delivery, which is paramount when someone is unresponsive and not breathing.

Other responses, while important, do not directly address the immediate need for oxygenation in the same way. For instance, assessing for injury may be necessary but does not directly contribute to restoring breathing. Similarly, using an AED is relevant for cases of cardiac arrest but is not the first step if the person is not breathing but has a pulse. Therefore, prioritizing the provision of rescue breaths represents the correct approach to managing a casualty in respiratory distress.