What should be done first when finding an unresponsive patient?

When encountering an unresponsive patient, the priority is to call for emergency help. This action is crucial because the patient's condition may indicate a serious medical emergency that requires immediate professional assistance. Activating emergency services ensures that advanced care can be provided as soon as possible, which can be vital in life-threatening situations.

Calling for emergency help also frees you to focus on providing care to the patient without delay. While checking vital signs, performing CPR, or trying to elicit a response are essential steps in the patient care process, they should be done after confirming that emergency assistance has been called. This approach aligns with the protocols established in emergency response training, which emphasizes the importance of securing professional help first when dealing with unresponsive individuals.