What is the first step to take when administering CPR?

The first step to take when administering CPR is to call for help. This action is critical because it ensures that additional resources are on the way while you begin to assist the victim. By alerting emergency medical services or getting someone else to do so, you can focus on administering CPR without worrying about potential delays in professional assistance.

Checking for responsiveness is important and should come shortly after calling for help, as it assesses whether the victim is conscious or in need of immediate aid. While performing chest compressions and providing rescue breaths are essential components of CPR, those actions should follow after ensuring that help is on the way, particularly in a situation where professional medical help is required. Making this call is a crucial part of the emergency response, as it maximizes the victim's chance of recovery by ensuring that emergency services will arrive promptly.