If a victim is not responsive, what is the recommended first action?

If a victim is not responsive, what is the recommended first action?

• A. Activate the emergency response system via a mobile device
• B. Check for breathing only
• C. Move the victim to a safe place
• D. Call for help after starting CPR

Answer: (A)

In this situation, getting professional help on the way is the immediate priority. Activating the emergency response system via a mobile device starts that process right away, so a dispatcher can guide you through CPR and arrange rapid arrival of trained responders and an AED. Using a phone lets you share your location and stay on the line for instructions while you begin care. Waiting to check breathing only would waste precious seconds, since an unresponsive person may not be breathing normally or may be in cardiac arrest, and you need to start CPR promptly. Moving the victim to a safe place isn’t the top priority unless there’s an immediate danger. Starting CPR before contacting help can delay access to emergency services, which is why the first action is to summon professional help using a mobile device.

In this situation, getting professional help on the way is the immediate priority. Activating the emergency response system via a mobile device starts that process right away, so a dispatcher can guide you through CPR and arrange rapid arrival of trained responders and an AED. Using a phone lets you share your location and stay on the line for instructions while you begin care.

Waiting to check breathing only would waste precious seconds, since an unresponsive person may not be breathing normally or may be in cardiac arrest, and you need to start CPR promptly. Moving the victim to a safe place isn’t the top priority unless there’s an immediate danger. Starting CPR before contacting help can delay access to emergency services, which is why the first action is to summon professional help using a mobile device.