When dealing with a medical emergency, what is the first action you should take?

In a medical emergency, assessing the situation is critical as the first step. This action allows you to quickly gather important information about the environment and the patient's condition. By assessing the situation, you can identify immediate dangers, determine the severity of the medical issue, and decide the necessary next steps. This assessment includes looking for any hazards that may pose a risk to you or the patient and understanding what may have caused the emergency.

If the situation is deemed unsafe, calling for help is essential, but you must first ensure that you can safely approach the patient. Administering CPR or other interventions could be rushed without a proper assessment. Additionally, taking notes would be a secondary action to document the event after ensuring immediate care is provided if necessary. Therefore, assessing the situation provides a foundation from which to respond effectively and safely in any medical emergency.