What is the first action you should take when encountering someone who appears unresponsive?

The first action to take when encountering someone who appears unresponsive is to call for help. This step is crucial because it ensures that professional assistance is on the way, allowing you to focus on providing care without delay. In emergency situations, time is of the essence, and calling for help alerts emergency services to the situation, bringing trained responders who can provide advanced care if necessary.

By calling for help initially, you can also potentially ask someone else to assist you, allowing for multitasking. While it can be important to assess the unresponsive person's condition—such as checking for breathing—having someone else call emergency services while you perform assessments or life-saving measures can expedite the overall response time.

The other actions, like beginning chest compressions or checking for breathing, are vital steps in the chain of survival, typically done after ensuring help is on the way. Shaking the person to try to wake them might not be appropriate if they're truly unresponsive and could potentially delay necessary interventions. Thus, calling for help first lays the groundwork for effective emergency response and care.