What should you do immediately after calling 911?

After calling 911, the most critical action to take next is to start CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing. This is because every second counts when someone is in cardiac arrest. Starting CPR immediately after determining that the individual is unresponsive and not breathing helps to maintain blood flow to vital organs and increases the chances of survival until professional help arrives.

This step is essential in the chain of survival, which emphasizes early recognition and calling for help, followed by early CPR and early defibrillation. The need to perform effective chest compressions rapidly is paramount, as they can help provide vital oxygen to the brain and other organs.

Waiting for help to arrive does not provide immediate support to the victim. Performing only rescue breaths without chest compressions neglects the importance of circulation. Lastly, checking for a pulse can take valuable time and may not be necessary at this stage, especially if the individual is unresponsive and not breathing. Thus, starting CPR is the immediate and most effective response to the emergency situation.