Which of the following is important to do before starting CPR?

Before starting CPR, it is crucial to call for help or emergency services. This step is important because CPR may require advanced medical assistance and equipment that a trained professional can provide. By alerting emergency services, you ensure that the victim will receive the necessary medical attention as soon as possible after CPR is initiated.

In a cardiac arrest situation, every second counts, and while you are performing CPR, the help you summoned can be on the way, which improves the chances of survival for the victim. Recognizing the need for professional help and initiating that call is a critical part of the chain of survival. This chain emphasizes the importance of early recognition and calling for emergency services in addition to high-quality CPR.

Other actions like checking for obvious wounds, removing clothing, or having the person be awake before performing CPR are not as immediate or relevant to ensuring timely assistance and effective emergency response.