What is the first action to take when encountering an unresponsive patient?

The first action to take when encountering an unresponsive patient is to call for help and check for responsiveness. This step is critical because it ensures that assistance is requested as soon as possible, which is vital in emergency situations. By checking for responsiveness, you can determine the level of consciousness and the need for immediate intervention.

Identifying whether the patient is responsive allows you to assess the situation more effectively. If the patient does not respond, it confirms the need for further actions, such as checking for breathing or initiating CPR, if necessary. Calling for help early on also means that additional medical support is on the way, which can significantly improve the patient's outcomes.

Prioritizing these actions aligns with established emergency protocols, ensuring that you do not delay assistance while attempting to perform other assessments like checking for breathing or pulse. These checks, while important, should follow the initial assessment of responsiveness and the call for help.