What is the first step in responding to a suspected cardiac arrest?

The first step in responding to a suspected cardiac arrest is to call for emergency medical services immediately. This action is crucial because prompt medical assistance is essential in cases of cardiac arrest. By alerting emergency services, you ensure that advanced medical help is on the way while you provide support to the patient.

Calling for help also allows you to focus on your immediate actions and manage the situation more effectively. Time is of the essence in cardiac arrest cases, and ensuring that help is on the way can greatly improve the chances of survival for the individual.

Checking for a pulse, beginning CPR, or using an AED, while critical components of the response, should follow the initial call for emergency services to ensure that all actions are appropriately coordinated and timely.