CPR or pulse check: What to do when someone is unconscious

When encountering an unconscious person, it is natural to first check if they have a pulse. However, if you lack medical training, focusing on CPR may be more beneficial. Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, a Senior Consultant at Gleneagles Hospitals Parel, recommends skipping the pulse check and assessing responsiveness and breathing instead.

First, ensure the environment is safe. Then, gently tap the individual and speak loudly to check for a response. If there is no response, assess whether they are breathing normally. Normal breathing should be continuous, not just gasping or irregular. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, it is considered a cardiac emergency.

An untrained bystander may find it difficult to locate or confirm a pulse, potentially wasting valuable time. Instead of trying to locate a pulse, call for emergency medical help and initiate chest compressions. If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, use it immediately and follow its instructions.

Dr Pal emphasizes that in a cardiac arrest, every second counts. Delaying CPR while attempting to find a pulse can be detrimental. Therefore, if you are unsure about the person's condition, it is better to act promptly and start CPR.