In CPR, which is the correct first action?

• A. Call for help.
• B. Check responsiveness.
• C. Check breathing.
• D. Start chest compressions.

Answer: (B)

The first action is to check responsiveness. Quickly assessing whether the person is conscious tells you which path to take next. If they respond, you know they’re not in immediate cardiac arrest and you can tailor your aid or call for help as needed. If there’s no response, you immediately escalate by shouting for help and activating emergency services, then proceed to assess breathing and, if appropriate, begin CPR.

The other steps matter, but they come after determining responsiveness. You check breathing only after establishing unresponsiveness to see if the person is not breathing normally, and you start chest compressions if they aren’t. Calling for help is essential, but it follows the recognition that the person is unresponsive.