What is the first thing you should check after activating the EMS in a cardiac arrest scenario?

In a cardiac arrest scenario, the first priority after activating the emergency medical services (EMS) is to assess the victim's breathing. This step is critical because it helps determine whether the victim is still receiving adequate oxygen and if immediate interventions are necessary, such as CPR or rescue breathing.

If the victim is not breathing or only gasping, it indicates that they are in a life-threatening situation, and immediate action is required to restore adequate breathing and circulation. Understanding the status of the airway and the effectiveness of breathing is essential in guiding your next steps, such as starting compressions or providing rescue breaths.

While checking for responsiveness, blood pressure, or the time since collapse are also important, they do not take precedence over the assessment of breathing in a cardiac arrest scenario. Quick identification of effective breathing can significantly influence the chances of survival.