When a patient is unresponsive after a fall and has weak carotid pulse, you should:

Administering CPR is the appropriate response when a patient is unresponsive and exhibits signs of inadequate circulation, such as a weak carotid pulse and lack of breathing. In this scenario, the weak pulse indicates that the heart is not effectively circulating blood, which is critical for maintaining oxygen supply to vital organs. The unresponsiveness further suggests that the patient is experiencing a severe medical emergency.

In cases of cardiac arrest or when a patient is not breathing, immediate CPR can help to restore blood flow and oxygenation, which is essential to prevent irreversible damage to the brain and other organs. CPR provides artificial circulation and can be life-saving until advanced medical help arrives. Ensuring that the patient receives immediate assistance maximizes their chances of survival and recovery.

Other options, while they may seem relevant in different contexts, are not as critical in this situation. For instance, checking for signs of life for 30 seconds would delay the crucial action of initiating CPR, which can be detrimental if the patient is in cardiac arrest. Requesting police presence for crowd control does not address the immediate need for medical intervention, nor does waiting for additional help to arrive provide any benefit while the patient’s condition is critical.