What immediate action should be taken if a victim is gasping or not breathing normally?

When a victim is gasping or not breathing normally, the most critical immediate action to take is to begin CPR. This is because gasping, which can occur after cardiac arrest, is an indication that the person is not receiving adequate oxygen. Normal breathing should be consistent and regular; when a person is not breathing or is only gasping, it signifies a life-threatening emergency.

Initiating CPR helps maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs, significantly increasing the chances of survival until emergency medical services arrive. The current guidelines emphasize that high-quality chest compressions should be started immediately when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally or at all.

Calling for emergency services is important, but it should be done simultaneously with the start of CPR, if possible. Checking for a pulse can waste valuable time, as it is more effective to assume that cardiac arrest has occurred in the absence of breathing. Administering rescue breaths is a component of CPR, but the immediate focus is to start compressions to ensure blood flow, especially when breathing is compromised. This approach aligns with the principles of Basic Life Support, maximizing the potential for a successful outcome.