In the case of a drowning victim, what should be done immediately after CPR is started?

Continuing CPR until emergency services arrive is crucial because it ensures that the victim receives uninterrupted care during a critical time. Once CPR is initiated, it is important to maintain the flow of chest compressions and rescue breaths, as this provides vital oxygen to the victim's brain and other essential organs. Stopping CPR—even for a brief moment—can significantly reduce the chances of survival, as the victim's heart and breathing have already ceased.

While obtaining additional help is useful, the priority immediately after starting CPR is to ensure that life-saving measures are consistently applied. Involvement from others can come after CPR is underway, such as calling emergency services or alerting bystanders, but these actions should not interrupt the immediate life-saving effort. Similarly, assessing the victim's condition or alerting the public may distract from continuous CPR, further compromising the victim's chances of recovery. Therefore, maintaining a steady rhythm of compressions and breaths is the primary focus during the early moments of cardiovascular and respiratory emergencies.