What should you do if there is no pulse found after ten seconds of checking?

Prepare for the Canadian Red Cross BLS Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Starting CPR/AED is the appropriate response when no pulse is detected after checking for ten seconds. This is a critical step in the chain of survival for a person who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. The absence of a pulse indicates that the heart is not effectively circulating blood, which can lead to brain damage and death very quickly without intervention.

Initiating CPR immediately provides artificial circulation and can help maintain blood flow to vital organs until advanced medical assistance arrives. If available, using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) should also be part of this process, as it can assess the heart's rhythm and provide shocks if necessary to restore a normal heartbeat.

In this context, continuing to assess for breathing would delay critical care when immediate action is needed. Calling for emergency assistance is essential but should typically occur simultaneously with starting CPR, especially if you are alone. Raising the patient’s legs may be beneficial in some situations to promote blood flow, but it does not address the immediate need for circulating blood and providing oxygen to the brain and organs. Therefore, initiating CPR and utilizing an AED are the most fitting actions in this scenario.

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