What is the first step in responding to a breathing emergency?

In responding to a breathing emergency, the first step involves checking for responsiveness. This is crucial because it helps the responder assess the situation and determine whether the individual is conscious and able to breathe independently. If the person is unresponsive, it triggers the need for immediate action, such as calling for help and checking their airway.

When someone is experiencing a breathing emergency, their level of responsiveness can indicate the severity of the situation. For instance, an unresponsive individual may require urgent intervention, like CPR or using an AED. Conversely, if the person is responsive, they may be able to provide information about what is wrong, which can influence the next steps in care.

Other options may come into play after responsiveness is checked. Calling for help is an important step but follows the initial assessment, while checking for obstructions is also vital in a situation where the individual is unresponsive. Performing the Heimlich maneuver is specific to choking cases and is only necessary if there is a confirmed obstruction affecting airflow. Thus, checking for responsiveness establishes the appropriate response to the emergency at hand.