If you arrive at the scene of an unresponsive victim, what should you begin?

In the scenario of arriving at the scene of an unresponsive victim, the most appropriate action to take is to initiate CPR. This is critical because an unresponsive individual may be experiencing cardiac arrest, wherein the heart is not effectively pumping blood to vital organs, particularly the brain. CPR is designed to maintain blood flow and oxygenation to the body until advanced medical assistance arrives.

Rescue breathing may be a necessary component of care if the victim is not breathing but still has a pulse; however, it is not the immediate intervention for an unresponsive person who is likely in cardiac arrest. Additionally, placing the victim in the recovery position is essential for an unconscious, breathing individual to prevent choking, but it does not address the emergency presented in this case. First aid is a broad category of care, which includes various treatments but would typically be considered after addressing the most immediate life-saving measures like CPR. Thus, beginning with CPR is the most appropriate response to an unresponsive victim, prioritizing the restoration of circulation and breathing.