What is the first step upon recognizing cardiac arrest in an adult?

Upon recognizing cardiac arrest in an adult, the priority is to ensure that emergency services are alerted as quickly as possible. Calling for emergency assistance, or having someone do it, is critical because professional medical help will be required to provide advanced care. This step ensures that additional support is on the way while immediate life-saving interventions are initiated.

Quickly notifying emergency services allows them to arrive promptly, which is crucial since survival rates decrease significantly with each passing minute during a cardiac arrest event. In parallel with this call, you can begin necessary CPR procedures if you're trained, but the alert to EMS establishes a foundation for comprehensive care beyond what a layperson can provide.

This prioritization helps ensure that the victim receives definitive medical treatment in a timely manner, ultimately increasing the chances of survival.