What is an essential first step when assessing an unconscious patient?

When assessing an unconscious patient, the essential first step is to assess their breathing. This action is critical because an unconscious patient may not be able to maintain their airway or breathe adequately. Checking for breathing helps determine the level of severity of the situation and whether immediate interventions, such as rescue breaths or CPR, are necessary.

Establishing a patient's age or checking for a pulse, while useful in a comprehensive assessment, are not immediate priorities compared to ensuring the patient can breathe. In emergencies, time is crucial, and failing to check for breathing can lead to severe consequences, such as brain damage from lack of oxygen. Calling for help is also important, but ensuring that the patient is breathing may directly influence what actions you take next. Therefore, assessing their breathing is the most critical first step in this scenario.