What is the number of initial breaths to provide to an unresponsive drowning person upon first contact?

When providing rescue breaths to an unresponsive drowning individual, the recommended number of initial breaths is five. This guideline is rooted in the understanding that drowning victims often have water in their lungs, which can significantly impede their ability to breathe effectively. Administering five breaths quickly helps to establish a presence of oxygen in the lungs and counteracts hypoxia until professional medical assistance arrives.

These initial breaths should be delivered at a sufficient volume to ensure air reaches the lungs, and they should be given over a short period, typically within a few seconds. The intent is to stabilize the person's condition by providing enough oxygen to support any spontaneous circulation or breathing that may occur.

While other options suggest different numbers of breaths, they do not align with the established protocols in CPR guidelines for drowning victims, which emphasize the importance of the five initial breaths to enhance the chances of survival and proper recovery.