What should you do if you encounter someone who is unconscious and not breathing?

When you encounter someone who is unconscious and not breathing, the appropriate action to take is to immediately perform CPR. This is critical because the person is in a life-threatening situation, likely suffering from cardiac arrest or another serious medical emergency. CPR is designed to maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs until professional help arrives or until the person begins to breathe on their own.

Initiating CPR promptly can significantly improve the chances of survival and reduce the risk of permanent damage from lack of oxygen. This process involves chest compressions and possibly rescue breaths, depending on the level of training and guidelines being followed.

Other actions, such as shaking the person to see if they respond, are ineffective and could waste precious time. Waiting for help to arrive does not provide immediate assistance in a critical situation where every second counts. Offering food and water is completely inappropriate, as the individual is unable to swallow and doing so could lead to choking or further complications.