Final answer:
If a victim has a pulse but is not breathing normally, rescue breathing should be started immediately. Give one rescue breath every 5-6 seconds; if the victim loses their pulse, begin CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths at a ratio of 30:2.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a victim is not breathing normally but has a pulse, the rescuer should start with rescue breathing, also called artificial respiration. This involves tilting the victim's head back to open the airway, pinching the nose closed, and giving two initial rescue breaths to see if the chest rises, which indicates air is entering the lungs. If there's no chest rise, re-tilt the head and try again. If the chest does rise, give one rescue breath every 5-6 seconds (or about 10-12 breaths per minute) and check regularly for any change in their condition. The focus should be on providing high-quality rescue breaths in a rhythmic pattern, as this can be key to survival. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be necessary if the situation worsens and the victim loses their pulse, at which point chest compressions should be combined with rescue breaths at a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths. It is critical to perform these life-saving measures correctly and pursue them until medical professionals take over or the victim's condition changes.