What is the recommended action for a witnessed collapse?

In the case of a witnessed collapse, the recommended action involves checking for breathing and, if absent, beginning CPR immediately. This response is critical because a witnessed collapse often indicates a cardiac arrest situation, where prompt action can significantly increase the chances of survival.

When someone collapses suddenly, every second counts. If the individual is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, initiating CPR can help maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, until professional medical assistance arrives. Given the life-threatening nature of such an event, delaying CPR can lead to irreversible damage or death.

Checking for breathing should only take a few seconds, but if normal breathing is absent, starting CPR is essential. The focus is on providing chest compressions to circulate blood. This action is crucial regardless of bystander presence, as immediate intervention can greatly impact outcomes in emergency situations.

Therefore, beginning CPR is the appropriate response in this scenario, as it directly addresses the need for immediate resuscitative efforts when witnessing someone collapse.