What is the initial priority action when an unconscious adult is found in a pool after rescue?

What is the initial priority action when an unconscious adult is found in a pool after rescue?

• A. Initiate chest compressions
• B. Assess client for injuries
• C. Wrap client in warm blankets
• D. Check for any respirations

Answer: (D)

Starting with checking whether the person is actually breathing is essential. After a drowning incident, you need to know if breathing is present to guide the next steps. To assess this quickly, look for chest rise, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air on your cheek for about 5–10 seconds. If there is no breathing or only abnormal gasping, begin chest compressions immediately and support with breaths as you follow CPR guidelines. If breathing is present, keep the airway open, monitor the person, and call for help. Warming the person or checking for injuries are important, but they don’t guide the immediate resuscitation actions the moment you find an unconscious adult in the water.