If you feel a pulse on an unresponsive adult patient who is not breathing, what action should you take?

When a lifeguard or first responder encounters an unresponsive adult patient who has a pulse but is not breathing, the appropriate action to take is to give rescue breathing. This is because the individual has a heartbeat, which indicates that their heart is still functioning, but they are unable to breathe on their own. Providing rescue breaths helps deliver oxygen directly to the lungs and, in turn, to the brain and vital organs, preventing potential brain damage or other serious complications due to lack of oxygen.

In this scenario, high-quality CPR would not be appropriate since the patient has a pulse, and starting chest compressions would unnecessarily compromise the blood flow that is still present. Activating EMS is certainly important in emergency situations, but immediate action to support the patient's breathing takes priority. Thus, rescue breathing is the critical intervention needed in this circumstance to stabilize the patient until further help can arrive.