In a rescue situation, what is the priority after ensuring the airway is open?

Initiating rescue breaths is the priority after ensuring the airway is open because once the airway is clear, the next critical step is to provide oxygen to the victim. Effective rescue breaths help to deliver oxygen directly into the lungs, which is essential for maintaining vital organs' function, especially if the person is not breathing on their own. This step is fundamental in addressing respiratory distress or failure.

While calling for additional help, checking for spinal injuries, and assessing the need for an AED are all important actions in a rescue scenario, they come after ensuring that the victim is receiving adequate oxygen. The immediate provision of rescue breaths can significantly increase the chances of survival until further medical help can arrive or more advanced interventions can be implemented.