What should be the initial action when encountering a patient who is unresponsive and not breathing?

When encountering a patient who is unresponsive and not breathing, the first priority is to ensure that help is on the way. Calling for help is crucial because the emergency response team can provide advanced care that is beyond the scope of what an Emergency Medical Responder can offer on the scene. Initiating a call for help allows you to start the process of delivering appropriate medical support as quickly as possible.

After calling for assistance, the responder can then proceed with further actions such as checking for a pulse and starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary. This sequence is important because it acknowledges the life-threatening nature of the situation and ensures that professional help is being summoned simultaneously while the responder prepares to assist the patient.

In emergency situations, ensuring that emergency medical services (EMS) are notified without delay is a critical step in advancing the patient's chance for survival.