What is the first action you should take for an unresponsive adult?

When encountering an unresponsive adult, the first critical action is to call for emergency help. This step is essential because it ensures that professional medical assistance is on the way while you begin to provide care. Time is of the essence in emergencies, especially where unresponsiveness and potential cardiac arrest are involved. By calling for help first, you initiate the chain of survival, which is crucial for improving the person’s chances of survival.

After calling for emergency help, you would then assess the person's breathing and pulse. If they are not breathing or do not have a pulse, you would proceed to begin CPR. It’s important to act systematically: first ensure that emergency services are alerted, as they can provide help beyond your immediate capabilities.

Moving the person to a safe area is generally not necessary unless there is an immediate threat (such as fire or traffic), and checking for breathing should only be done after calling for help. Therefore, initiating contact with emergency services first sets the proper course of action in a critical situation.