If you find a 17-year-old unresponsive with intermittent gasps, what should you do?

When encountering a 17-year-old who is unresponsive and exhibiting intermittent gasps, it is crucial to initiate CPR immediately. The presence of gasping, which may indicate a serious medical emergency such as cardiac arrest, does not signify that the individual has an adequate pulse or is breathing normally.

The appropriate step is to begin CPR with a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2. This ratio is designed to provide both effective chest compressions and ventilations to maximize blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs. Starting CPR promptly is essential because the chances of successful resuscitation decrease significantly with each passing minute that the individual is not receiving adequate circulation.

In this scenario, checking for a pulse or monitoring the individual without taking action would not be appropriate, as every moment spent without compressions can jeopardize the person's chances of survival. Additionally, calling for backup should ideally be done as CPR is being initiated rather than pausing for assistance, especially if the environment is safe for providing immediate care. Thus, starting CPR right away with the specified compression-to-ventilation ratio is the vital correct response in this situation.