What happens if a person is unresponsive but breathing normally?

Prepare for the American Heart Association First Aid Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Get exam ready!

When a person is unresponsive but breathing normally, rolling them onto their side is the appropriate action to take. This position, often referred to as the recovery position, helps ensure that the airway remains open and minimizes the risk of choking, particularly in the event that they vomit or have any fluid in their mouth.

By placing the person in this position, you also help to prevent aspiration, which can lead to serious complications. It allows for better drainage of fluids, reduces the risk of airway obstruction, and ensures that the person's body remains stable while they are unresponsive.

The other options are not suitable because starting CPR is only necessary if the person is not breathing or is breathing abnormally, and rolling someone onto their back could compromise their airway. Leaving them in a sitting position is unsafe as it increases the risk of airway blockage due to position and could hinder their ability to breathe normally.

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