In an unwitnessed cardiac arrest, what is the first step taken during the initial five seconds of rescue?

In an unwitnessed cardiac arrest, determining responsiveness is crucial as it helps to assess the situation before taking further action. The first step during the initial five seconds is to check if the person is responsive. This involves gently shaking the individual and speaking to them to see if they react in any way.

If a person is unresponsive, it indicates a lack of consciousness, which is a critical sign of possible cardiac arrest. Establishing unresponsiveness allows the rescuer to quickly transition to the next steps, such as calling for help and initiating chest compressions.

By assessing responsiveness first, rescuers can confirm that the individual requires immediate medical attention, thereby allowing for a swift response to the emergency. Understanding this protocol is vital for effectively responding to cardiac emergencies where immediate action can greatly influence outcomes.