In the basic life support (BLS) algorithm, what is the first step if the victim is unresponsive?

In the basic life support (BLS) algorithm, when a victim is found to be unresponsive, the first crucial step is to activate the emergency response system and begin CPR. This step is vital because alerting emergency services ensures that advanced medical help will be on the way, which is critical for a victim's survival.

Once the emergency response is activated, the rescuer can focus on providing immediate life-saving care, including starting CPR if it's indicated. Delaying the activation of emergency services can lead to a critical loss of time for the victim, as professional help is essential for improving outcomes in cases of cardiac arrest or other life-threatening conditions.

Other actions, such as checking for a pulse or providing rescue breaths, while important, are secondary to the immediate need to call for help and start CPR. These steps do not replace the urgent requirement for professional medical assistance, which is why activating the emergency response system is prioritized in the BLS protocol.