After retrieving a drowning victim, what is the next action if the victim is unconscious and not breathing?

The best response when encountering an unconscious, non-breathing victim following a drowning incident is to perform rescue breaths followed by CPR. This is crucial because drowning victims typically suffer from a lack of oxygen and may have a clear airway initially due to the nature of the incident. Providing rescue breaths first is essential in attempting to restore oxygen to the lungs before commencing chest compressions.

When a person is non-breathing, the immediate priority is to provide artificial respiration. This is typically achieved through rescue breaths, which can help to reoxygenate the victim's blood. Following these breaths, CPR can be initiated, which includes chest compressions to facilitate blood circulation. This sequence effectively addresses the critical issue of oxygen deprivation, which is common in drowning victims.

In contrast, other options may not address the immediate need for oxygenation effectively. For example, starting chest compressions immediately could be appropriate in some cases, but in the context of drowning, ensuring that the airway is supported with rescue breaths first is often prioritized. Calling for additional help is important, but it should not delay the lifesaving actions required at that moment. Placing the victim in the recovery position is not suitable in this case since the recovery position is intended for individuals who are breathing normally and do