American Red Cross CPR Practice Test: Prep, Study Guide & Practice Exam

When a choking person becomes unresponsive, it is crucial to initiate CPR. The reason this action is appropriate is that unresponsiveness indicates a critical situation where the person is not breathing and their heart may not be beating effectively. Starting CPR helps to circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs, which is essential for survival.

While performing CPR, checking the airway for any visible objects can be important. If an object is lodged in the airway, attempting to remove it during CPR can sometimes restore normal breathing, and continuing with chest compressions can help dislodge the obstruction. This dual approach maximizes the chances of resuscitation and clearing the airway blockage simultaneously.

In contrast, leaving the person to seek help is inappropriate, as immediate intervention is necessary to prevent brain damage or death. Performing back blows is also ineffective once the individual is unresponsive, as it’s designed for conscious choking individuals. Simply calling for help without taking action does not address the urgent need for resuscitation in such a life-threatening scenario. Therefore, starting CPR while checking the airway is the most effective response when faced with an unresponsive choking victim.