What should be your first step when a victim is unconscious and unresponsive?

When encountering an unconscious and unresponsive victim, the first step is to call for emergency medical help. This action is crucial because it ensures that professional medical assistance is on the way while you begin other necessary interventions.

Calling for help allows you to focus on assessing the victim and providing care without the distraction of trying to contact emergency services later. In emergency situations, every second matters, and having trained medical personnel respond can significantly improve the victim's chances of recovery.

After calling for help, the lifeguard can then proceed with other essential steps, such as checking for breathing and starting emergency procedures like CPR if the victim is not breathing. Prioritizing the call for emergency help lays the groundwork for timely and effective care.