After failing to ventilate an unresponsive apneic patient, what should you do next?

When faced with an unresponsive apneic patient after initial attempts at ventilation have failed, the next appropriate step is to perform CPR. This response is crucial because the patient is not breathing and requires immediate circulatory support to maintain blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs.

CPR involves chest compressions that help circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body, which is critical in preventing organ damage or death due to hypoxia. While reassessing vital signs or delivering supplemental oxygen may seem relevant, neither would be effective without first restoring some form of circulation through CPR. Opening the airway and looking in the mouth could potentially help if there is a visible obstruction, but failing to ventilate suggests that immediate resuscitation efforts are required to preserve life.

In summary, performing CPR is the most essential and immediate response to ensure the patient receives the necessary interventions to support their vital functions.