Following EAP activation and a spontaneous breath check, which step should occur prior to assessing the victim's pulse and breathing?

Following EAP activation and a spontaneous breath check, which step should occur prior to assessing the victim's pulse and breathing?

• A. Verify scene safety
• B. Two Breathes
• C. Call EMS
• D. Check pulse and breathing

Answer: (B)

When you’ve activated the emergency plan and done a quick check to see if the person is breathing, the next step is to deliver two rescue breaths before assessing the pulse. These two breaths establish ventilation and help you confirm whether the airway is open and air is entering the lungs. If air goes in and the chest rises, you then proceed to check the pulse to decide whether CPR is needed. If the breaths don’t go in, reposition the head and retry, reassessing ventilation again. This sequence prioritizes establishing oxygen delivery, which informs the subsequent decision about circulation and whether to start chest compressions.

When you’ve activated the emergency plan and done a quick check to see if the person is breathing, the next step is to deliver two rescue breaths before assessing the pulse. These two breaths establish ventilation and help you confirm whether the airway is open and air is entering the lungs. If air goes in and the chest rises, you then proceed to check the pulse to decide whether CPR is needed. If the breaths don’t go in, reposition the head and retry, reassessing ventilation again. This sequence prioritizes establishing oxygen delivery, which informs the subsequent decision about circulation and whether to start chest compressions.