If you find an unconscious patient in your waiting room, what is your first action?

The initial step when encountering an unconscious patient is to check to confirm their level of consciousness. This involves assessing whether the patient responds to verbal or physical stimuli. Gaining this information is crucial because it helps to determine the urgency of the situation and the subsequent actions needed. If the individual is unconscious, it indicates a potentially critical situation that requires immediate intervention to ensure their safety.

Confirming unconsciousness establishes the need for further assessments and interventions such as checking for a pulse or breathing, and indeed calling for help in a timely manner. The assessment of the patient’s responsiveness serves as the foundation for any further emergency procedures that might be necessary, ensuring that they receive the appropriate care as quickly as possible.