How can a rescuer best determine the condition of an unresponsive victim?

Assessing an unresponsive victim's breathing is crucial because it provides immediate insights into the victim's respiratory status and overall condition. If a victim is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, they are in a critical state, which requires immediate action such as initiating CPR or calling for emergency help. Breathing assessment can also indicate the need for supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation if the situation involves a drowning or other respiratory hazard.

While checking for a pulse is also an important component of a complete assessment, breathing is a more immediate indicator of the necessity for resuscitation efforts. Signs of injury can provide context about how the victim became unresponsive but do not directly address life threats like breathing status does. Listening for any response is not ideal because an unresponsive individual may not have the ability to respond, thereby making it a less effective method for determining the urgency of care needed.