What should you do if a choking victim becomes unresponsive?

When a choking victim becomes unresponsive, the appropriate action is to start CPR immediately without checking for breathing. This is crucial because the victim's airway is obstructed, and they are unable to breathe or maintain circulation effectively. Performing CPR helps to provide oxygen to the brain and vital organs through chest compressions, and it also creates pressure in the thoracic cavity that may help dislodge the object causing the choking.

In the case of an unresponsive victim, efforts to remove the object manually are not the first priority. Attempting to extract the obstruction could potentially push it deeper into the airway. While it's important to seek emergency help, immediately calling 911 should not precede delivering CPR, as rapid intervention is vital for survival. Leaving the victim to find assistance would further delay critical care that can be provided through CPR, thus increasing the risk of serious health consequences.