When a medical emergency requires CPR, what is the first action?

• A. Check responsiveness.
• B. Begin CPR immediately without checking.
• C. Call for help only, no CPR.
• D. Use an AED before checking responsiveness.

Answer: (A)

Start by checking responsiveness. A quick shake and shout like “Are you OK?” lets you know if the person is conscious. This matters because CPR is only needed if someone is unresponsive. If there is no response, you immediately call for help and get an AED while starting CPR right away. But if they respond, you don’t start CPR yet—you assess breathing and other signs to decide the next steps.

Beginning CPR without checking responsiveness can waste time on someone who is awake or delay getting help and an AED to the scene. Using an AED before confirming responsiveness isn’t appropriate either, since you need to know whether the person actually needs CPR and help has been mobilized.