What should you do first if you encounter an unresponsive person?

When encountering an unresponsive person, the first step should be to call emergency services immediately. This action ensures that professional medical help is on the way while you assess and provide necessary care to the individual. Calling for emergency services promptly can be crucial, as it allows trained professionals to arrive on the scene to provide advanced care.

While checking for breathing is also an important step, it should only be performed after ensuring that help is on the way. Shaking the person may not be effective and could potentially cause further harm, depending on the person's condition. Performing CPR immediately is critical if the person is not breathing and unresponsive, but only after emergency services have been notified or arrangements made for them to be called. This way, you ensure that medical assistance will arrive even if you have to leave the person to perform life-saving techniques.

In summary, contacting emergency services first sets in motion the process for additional medical support, which is essential in any emergency scenario.