When a patient becomes unresponsive during transport, what is the immediate action you must take?

Study for the JBL Cardiology Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has helpful hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The immediate action to take when a patient becomes unresponsive during transport is to assess for signs of breathing and a pulse. This step is critical because it allows you to determine the patient's level of consciousness and whether they are in need of resuscitation. Quickly checking for these vital signs will inform the subsequent actions you need to take, including whether to initiate CPR or use an AED if necessary.

Ensuring the patient has a clear airway and is breathing is paramount, but making an initial assessment of breathing and pulse is an essential first step. If the patient is not breathing or has no pulse, immediate resuscitation efforts must be initiated, as every second counts in preventing brain damage or death.

While other options may seem important, they should come after the immediate assessment of the patient's breathing and pulse. For example, while opening the airway is crucial, it is typically something done immediately following the assessment if the patient is not breathing. Similarly, placing the patient on their side is relevant in case of vomiting, but this too follows the critical assessment stage. Checking for breathing and pulse first establishes whether there is an immediate risk to life that requires urgent intervention.

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