Once you confirm a victim is unresponsive, what is the next appropriate action?

After confirming that a victim is unresponsive, the most appropriate action is to call for help. This step is critical because it ensures that additional assistance—such as emergency medical services—can be on the way while you attend to the victim. Alerting others is essential, as you may not be able to provide care and manage the situation alone, especially if it escalates or requires advanced medical intervention.

It's important to remember that while administering CPR can be a life-saving measure, it is often most effective when performed without delay once you have activated emergency assistance. Checking the airway, while necessary, may not be the immediate next action if you haven't first ensured help is on the way. Similarly, looking for medical identification, while potentially useful information, should not delay the call for assistance. Prioritizing emergency communication sets the stage for the best possible outcome for the victim.