You and your partner arrive at the scene of a major motor vehicle crash. The driver, a young male, is severely entrapped in his car. He has an open head injury and massive facial trauma. He is unresponsive, is not breathing, and does not have a palpable carotid pulse. You should:

A. have your partner check for a pulse to confirm that the patient is deceased.
B. ventilate the patient for 5 minutes and then stop if there is no response.
C. stop any active bleeding and advise dispatch to send a paramedic crew.
D. request the fire department to extricate the patient so you can begin CPR.

Ans: A. have your partner check for a pulse to confirm that the patient is deceased.