You witness someone collapse and hear occasional gasping sounds. What should you do next?

Starting high-quality CPR, including breaths, is the appropriate action when you witness someone collapse and detect occasional gasping sounds, which may indicate that the person is experiencing a cardiac arrest. Gasping is not an adequate form of breathing, and it suggests a critical lack of oxygenation. Immediate intervention is crucial in such situations to maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs.

High-quality CPR involves performing chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute and providing ventilation at a ratio of 30:2 for an adult, which ensures proper oxygenation while maintaining blood flow. This intervention can significantly increase the chances of survival and neurological recovery for the individual.

Waiting for the victim to regain consciousness is not advisable because if they are unresponsive and unable to breathe adequately, delay in starting CPR could be life-threatening. Calling for emergency assistance first can be part of the response, but it should not delay the initiation of CPR, as every second counts. Shaking the victim to check responsiveness may not provide critical help and could potentially be counterproductive when immediate life-saving measures are necessary.