An unresponsive 16-year-old male has snoring respirations after nearly drowning. What should you do?

In a scenario where a 16-year-old male is unresponsive and exhibiting snoring respirations after nearly drowning, the most critical immediate intervention is to ensure that the airway is clear and that adequate ventilation is provided. Snoring respirations indicate that the airway may be obstructed, often by the tongue, particularly in an unresponsive individual.

The correct action would involve inserting an airway to maintain patency. This could involve using an oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, depending on the patient's condition, to lift the tongue and optimize airflow. This is crucial because, in respiratory emergencies, ensuring oxygen can reach the lungs is vital to prevent further complications.

Starting compressions is not the immediate priority unless the patient has no pulse, which is not established here. Administering oxygen would also not be effective if the airway is obstructed. Taking vital signs, while important for assessment purposes, does not address the immediate need to secure the airway.

Thus, ensuring that the airway is open is the appropriate and necessary first step in managing this unresponsive patient after nearly drowning.