What action should be taken as soon as an unresponsive drowning victim is identified?

The correct action to take as soon as an unresponsive drowning victim is identified is to provide rescue breaths immediately. This response is critical because drowning often results in asphyxiation due to water obstructing the airway. Administering rescue breaths helps to reintroduce oxygen into the victim's lungs, which is crucial for maintaining vital organ function, particularly the brain and heart.

In a drowning situation, minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Providing rescue breaths can help ensure that oxygen is delivered to the body's tissues while emergency services are being called or while further resuscitation efforts are prepared.

This immediate action aligns with the best practices in emergency response to drowning victims, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing ventilation, particularly in cases where a victim is unresponsive and not breathing. The urgency of oxygen supply in such scenarios naturally outweighs the need for other interventions, which may be necessary later in the resuscitation process.

Calling for assistance should happen as soon as possible, but it should not delay the provision of rescue breaths, as every moment is critical in an unresponsive drowning case.