According to the START system, what should you do if you find a patient who is not breathing?

In the START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) system, the first critical step for a patient who is not breathing is to open the airway. This is fundamental because it assesses whether the lack of breathing is due to an airway obstruction, which can often be easily resolved by repositioning the head or performing a basic airway maneuver such as the chin lift or jaw thrust.

If the airway is clear and the patient still does not breathe, then further interventions may be necessary, which could include providing rescue breaths if trained and equipped to do so. However, before any other actions, ensuring that the airway is open is paramount. This approach is essential in emergency situations as it determines whether the patient can begin to breathe independently or if other interventions will be required.

Checking for a pulse may be part of your overall assessment, but in the context of START, addressing breathing takes precedence. Simply waiting for help is not appropriate, as immediate action is vital in emergencies.