What should be the first action taken when encountering a patient who is unresponsive?

When encountering a patient who is unresponsive, the priority should be to ensure that help is on the way. Activating emergency medical services (EMS) is crucial because timely professional assistance can significantly impact the patient's outcome. This action informs trained emergency responders who can provide advanced care, access necessary equipment, and transport the patient to a medical facility.

Calling for help is essential because while you may perform assessments or interventions, the best chance for recovery often depends on timely advanced care. It is important to ensure that someone is dedicated to obtaining additional help while you assess or intervene, as an unresponsive patient could be experiencing a life-threatening condition.

Following activation of EMS, you can then proceed to check for a pulse and initiate CPR if necessary, but ensuring that help is on the way takes precedence as it addresses the overall emergency response process.