What is the first action to take if you are alone and find an adult who is unresponsive?

When an adult is found unresponsive and you are alone, the first action should be to call for emergency help before starting CPR. This is essential because immediate activation of the emergency response system ensures that professional medical assistance is on the way while you perform life-saving measures.

Calling 911 first allows you to inform emergency services about the situation. They can provide crucial guidance over the phone and, importantly, ensure that they are dispatching help. Time is of the essence in a cardiac arrest situation, and having emergency responders on the way can significantly improve chances of survival and recovery.

After calling for help, you then return to the patient to check for breathing and, if they are not breathing normally, immediately begin CPR. This sequence of actions maximizes the effectiveness of your response in a critical situation.