If a victim with a foreign body airway obstruction becomes unresponsive, what should you do next?

When a victim with a foreign body airway obstruction becomes unresponsive, the recommended action is to begin CPR and start giving compressions. This is appropriate because when the person is unresponsive, they cannot breathe, and their heart may stop beating effectively due to the lack of oxygen. By initiating CPR, you are essentially providing critical support to circulate any remaining oxygenated blood to vital organs until emergency medical services can arrive or until the airway can be cleared.

Starting compressions aids in maintaining blood flow and allows for potential re-establishment of a normal heart rhythm. During CPR on an unresponsive individual, rescue breaths are also incorporated after every 30 compressions if the rescuer is trained to do so. This helps to provide oxygen directly into the lungs, addressing the critical issue of oxygen deprivation caused by the obstruction.

The other actions, such as calling for help and waiting, checking for breathing for a long duration, or manually attempting to dislodge the object, may waste valuable time. When a person is unresponsive, every second counts, and immediate CPR is essential for preserving life.