If you notice a person is not breathing but has a pulse, what is the correct procedure?

When a person is not breathing but has a pulse, the appropriate action is to provide rescue breaths only. The rationale behind this procedure is that while the individual’s heart is still beating, they are not effectively getting oxygen into their lungs. Administering rescue breaths is crucial in this scenario to ensure that oxygen continues to circulate through their bloodstream and reaches vital organs.

In this situation, performing chest compressions is unnecessary because the presence of a pulse indicates that the heart is still functioning; thus, compressions could potentially harm the individual by disrupting normal heart activity. It's also important to monitor the person for any changes in their condition, but checking for signs of choking is not the immediate priority unless there is clear evidence or suspicion of airway obstruction. Providing rescue breaths effectively addresses the primary concern of oxygen deprivation while maintaining the integrity of the heart's function.