What should you do if a person becomes unresponsive during a suspected heart attack?

Prepare for the Canadian Red Cross Standard First Aid Test. With flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct course of action when a person becomes unresponsive during a suspected heart attack is to call emergency services and begin CPR. This response is critical because unresponsiveness can indicate that the heart has stopped beating effectively, leading to a lack of blood flow to vital organs. Prompt intervention is essential in these situations to minimize the risk of brain damage and increase the chances of survival.

Beginning CPR helps to maintain blood circulation and can provide oxygen to the brain until professional medical help arrives. It's important to ensure that emergency services are contacted immediately, as professional responders have the necessary resources and skills to treat cardiac emergencies effectively.

Other actions, such as performing abdominal thrusts, shaking the person, or leaving them alone, are inappropriate and could hinder necessary interventions. These actions may inadvertently cause harm or delay critical care, which can be fatal in the case of a cardiac arrest. Thus, calling for help and initiating CPR is the most responsible and life-saving choice in this scenario.

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