What is the initial response when a patient is unresponsive and breathing normally?

When a patient is unresponsive but breathing normally, the initial response involves assessing the airway and monitoring their condition. In this scenario, the priority is to ensure that the patient’s airway is clear and that they are not at risk of airway obstruction. By assessing the airway, you can confirm that the patient is able to breathe without obstruction.

Additionally, monitoring the patient's condition allows healthcare providers to observe any changes in responsiveness, breathing patterns, or other vital signs that could indicate deterioration. This careful assessment helps guide subsequent actions, such as whether emergency services should be called or if further interventions are required.

In this type of situation, performing CPR is inappropriate since the patient is breathing normally; it is reserved for those who have no breathing or pulse. Calling emergency services is typically a crucial part of managing an unresponsive patient, but the immediate focus should be on ensuring airway patency and monitoring their condition before escalating to that level. Documenting findings is also important but should occur after critical assessments and interventions have been established.