What action should be taken if the patient is unresponsive?

Assessing the airway and breathing immediately is the most critical action to take when encountering an unresponsive patient. This step is essential because an unresponsive individual may have compromised airway patency, which can lead to serious consequences, including respiratory arrest or death if not addressed promptly.

By evaluating the airway, the rescuer can determine if it is obstructed and take necessary actions, such as positioning the patient or performing rescue breaths if they are not breathing adequately. This assessment is vital to ensure that the patient has access to oxygen, which is crucial for survival.

In emergency scenarios, timely intervention can make a significant difference in patient outcomes, and ensuring that the airway is open allows for subsequent medical treatment to be effective. Taking immediate action also aligns with the principle of the chain of survival in emergency medicine, where early recognition and intervention can prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition.