What should you do when faced with an unconscious victim?

When faced with an unconscious victim, calling for EMS assistance is a critical first step. This action ensures that professional medical help is on the way while you assess the victim's condition and provide any necessary care. Time is of the essence in emergencies, and having emergency medical services en route can significantly improve the victim's chances of recovery.

While monitoring breathing and performing CPR may be necessary depending on the situation, those actions follow the initial step of alerting EMS. The scenario assumes an immediate response: if you encounter an unconscious victim, calling for help ensures that trained responders are mobilized to provide advanced care when needed. Checking for responsiveness is also important, but it is part of the assessment process that should occur after ensuring help is on the way.

Prioritizing the call for EMS assistance aligns with emergency response protocols, emphasizing the importance of having the right resources involved at the earliest opportunity.