What should always be the first step in an emergency situation?

In an emergency situation, the first step should always be to call for emergency help. This action ensures that professional medical assistance is on the way while you attend to the person in distress. By prioritizing this step, you engage the emergency system in your area, which can involve assessing the situation waiting for trained personnel who can provide advanced care.

Calling for emergency help also allows you to focus on providing immediate care, such as performing CPR or first aid, without having to worry about how to get additional assistance later. It is crucial, especially in life-threatening scenarios like cardiac arrest or severe accidents, where timely arrival of emergency services can significantly impact the outcome.

In situations where a bystander may be present, it's also effective to direct someone else to make the call, allowing you to continue providing care to the individual in need. Overall, securing emergency help lays a foundation for an effective response and enhances the chances of survival for the person affected.