If you notice a person not breathing, what is the first thing you should do?

When encountering someone who is not breathing, the first and most crucial action is to call emergency services, as it ensures that professional medical help is on the way. Time is of the essence in such situations, as a lack of breathing can lead to serious consequences, including brain damage or death, within just a few minutes. By calling for help immediately, you are taking proactive steps to secure the necessary assistance and resources needed to address the medical emergency effectively.

While it may be tempting to perform other actions, such as starting the Heimlich maneuver or lying the person down, these measures are inappropriate in the context of not breathing. The Heimlich maneuver is only applicable in cases of choking where the person is conscious and unable to breathe due to an obstruction in the airway. Additionally, lying the person down might not be suitable if they are unresponsive and require immediate intervention through CPR or rescue breaths. Calling a supervisor may be necessary in some settings, but it should not delay the immediate action of contacting emergency services when someone's life is at risk.