An unresponsive 60-year-old male is apneic with a weak pulse and an oxygen saturation of 79%. What should you do?

In this scenario, the patient is unresponsive, apneic, has a weak pulse, and a dangerously low oxygen saturation of 79%, indicating inadequate breathing and oxygenation. Given these circumstances, the most immediate and appropriate intervention is to deliver breaths to the patient.

Delivering one breath every 5 to 6 seconds is consistent with the practice of providing positive pressure ventilation (PPV) to a patient who is not breathing effectively. Maintaining a rate of 10 to 12 breaths per minute allows for adequate ventilation without causing excessive pressure in the lungs and can help improve oxygenation. This practice is essential for addressing the hypoxia reflected in the low oxygen saturation.

Other options, while important in their respective contexts, do not directly address the immediate need for ventilation. Starting chest compressions would be appropriate if there were no pulse; however, since a weak pulse is present, this is not the immediate step required. Providing supplemental oxygen alone, without ensuring adequate ventilation, would not effectively treat the low oxygen saturation. Checking for a pulse again after 30 seconds does not adequately address the urgent need for ventilation in a patient who is apneic and has a high risk of further deterioration. In essence, providing ventilatory support is the key first step