Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

If a choking victim becomes unresponsive, what is the first action you should take?

1. Attempt to give ventilations

2. Lower the victim to the ground and open their airway

3. Look inside the mouth to remove the obstruction

4. Lower the victim to the ground and begin CPR starting with chest compressions

The correct answer is: Lower the victim to the ground and begin CPR starting with chest compressions

When a choking victim becomes unresponsive, the immediate priority is to ensure that the person begins receiving vital support, which is why starting CPR with chest compressions is crucial. This action provides both circulation and oxygenation for the victim. The reason this approach is taken is that an unresponsive individual is not breathing adequately or at all, making it essential to act quickly to maintain blood flow and introduce oxygen into their system. During CPR, chest compressions help circulate blood to vital organs, and if an obstruction is preventing airflow, the compressions can assist in creating enough pressure to possibly dislodge the obstruction. It’s important to note that looking in the mouth to remove the obstruction is not recommended as the first action when the victim is unresponsive because it may lead to further complications or delay in providing necessary lifesaving measures. Attempting ventilations before ensuring proper chest compressions would also be ineffective, as there would be no effective ventilation if the airway remains obstructed. Lowering the victim to the ground and opening the airway is an important step, but initiating CPR with chest compressions is the prioritized action in this critical situation. This focused response is part of the emergency care protocol meant to save lives efficiently during a choking incident.