If two breaths and two additional breaths do not go in on an unconscious adult, what should you do next?

If two breaths and two additional breaths do not go in on an unconscious adult, what should you do next?

• A. Remove barrier, 30 chest compressions
• B. Continue breathing attempts
• C. Check for pulse, call for help
• D. Turn off the AED

Answer: (A)

When an unconscious adult isn’t accepting rescue breaths after two attempts, the priority becomes circulating blood to vital organs. Removing the barrier device and delivering a set of high-quality chest compressions is the best next step because blood flow supports brain and heart function while you reassess the airway and breath delivery. After delivering 30 compressions, you can reattempt breaths as part of the 30:2 cycle. Continuing to push for breaths without improving ventilation wastes valuable time, and while checking for a pulse or calling for help is important, it isn’t the immediate step you take right after failed breaths. Turning off the AED isn’t indicated in this moment.

When an unconscious adult isn’t accepting rescue breaths after two attempts, the priority becomes circulating blood to vital organs. Removing the barrier device and delivering a set of high-quality chest compressions is the best next step because blood flow supports brain and heart function while you reassess the airway and breath delivery. After delivering 30 compressions, you can reattempt breaths as part of the 30:2 cycle. Continuing to push for breaths without improving ventilation wastes valuable time, and while checking for a pulse or calling for help is important, it isn’t the immediate step you take right after failed breaths. Turning off the AED isn’t indicated in this moment.