What should be the first action when encountering a patient in respiratory arrest?

The first action when encountering a patient in respiratory arrest is to initiate rescue breathing. This is because respiratory arrest indicates that the patient is not breathing adequately or at all, which can lead to a rapid decline in oxygen levels in the body and ultimately result in cardiac arrest if not addressed quickly. Effective rescue breathing helps provide oxygen to the patient’s lungs and, subsequently, the rest of their body, aiming to prevent hypoxia.

While checking the patient’s pulse is certainly important, it is secondary to the immediate need for oxygenation through rescue breathing. Similarly, calling for emergency help is crucial, but any delay in oxygenation can jeopardize the patient’s condition. Administering CPR is important in cases of cardiac arrest, but in the event of respiratory arrest without cardiac arrest, the first priority should be to establish effective ventilation through rescue breaths. Acting quickly to address the lack of breathing directly impacts the chances of recovery and stabilizing the patient’s condition.