Answer :
Final answer:
An unresponsive victim with occasional gasping breaths requires immediate CPR with a focus on compression-only CPR. If the victim is in water, they must first be removed before beginning CPR. Proper training in CPR is vital to ensure it is performed correctly and safely.
Explanation:
True, an unresponsive victim with only occasional gasping breaths does require CPR immediately. Gasping is not a sign of normal breathing and often indicates a cardiac arrest. In such cases, even those who are untrained should perform compression-only CPR, focusing on chest compressions without rescue breaths, until professional help arrives or an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available. It's important for bystanders to act quickly to improve the victim's chances of survival.
In a situation involving drowning, the first step would be to remove the person from water as CPR is ineffective when the person is still submerged. Once on stable ground, CPR should be initiated without delay. The chances of recovery are better if the unconscious person has a sealed airway and CPR is started rapidly after rescue, especially in cases of cold water immersion.
Proper training in CPR technique is crucial because improper technique can cause serious harm, like broken ribs or damage to the liver. CPR training and certification are highly recommended for both medical personnel and the general public, to ensure that the technique is applied safely and correctly.
