What should an EMT do if they encounter an unresponsive patient?

When faced with an unresponsive patient, the primary responsibility of an EMT is to assess the patient's condition and initiate immediate lifesaving measures. The correct response involves checking for responsiveness, which includes assessing if the patient reacts to stimuli or is conscious. If the patient does not respond and is found to be not breathing, the next step is to begin CPR. This is critical because unresponsiveness paired with apnea indicates that the patient's circulation and oxygenation are compromised, requiring immediate intervention to maximize the chances of survival.

Beginning CPR provides vital blood flow to the heart and brain, which is essential in preventing organ damage due to lack of oxygen. Waiting for additional help or merely checking blood pressure would delay necessary interventions that can save a life. Similarly, administering oxygen is only beneficial if there is adequate circulation and breathing, making it less relevant in the immediate crisis of unresponsiveness without breathing. Therefore, initiating CPR is the most effective and appropriate first action in this scenario.