What is the first action to take if you encounter an unconscious diver out of the water?

In a situation where you encounter an unconscious diver out of the water, the first action to take is to check if the diver is breathing. This step is critical because it helps you assess the immediate condition of the unconscious diver. Determining whether the diver is breathing allows you to decide on the appropriate response.

If the diver is breathing, you can place them in the recovery position and monitor their condition until medical help arrives. If the diver is not breathing, this information prompts you to take immediate action to provide rescue breathing or CPR, as the diver may need oxygen to survive.

Checking for breathing first ensures that your actions are appropriate to the diver's condition and can significantly affect the outcome. Calling for emergency services is also essential, but it should follow the assessment of the diver's breathing status to ensure that as much action is taken as possible before help arrives. Administering CPR without first checking for breathing could waste precious time if the diver is, in fact, breathing on their own. Performing a visual inspection for injuries is important but is secondary to assessing the primary functions of breathing and circulation.