In the case of respiratory arrest, what should first responders prioritize first?

In the scenario of respiratory arrest, first responders should prioritize assessing the patient's airway because ensuring an open airway is crucial for facilitating effective breathing, which is the primary concern in respiratory emergencies. If the airway is obstructed, attempts at ventilation, including the administration of oxygen or providing CPR, would be ineffective.

Assessing the airway allows responders to identify whether it is clear or blocked and to take immediate action to open it if necessary, such as performing head-tilt-chin-lift maneuvers or using other airway management techniques. This assessment is a fundamental step in the chain of survival and directly correlates to the patient's likelihood of survival and recovery. Once the airway is confirmed to be open or managed, responders can then proceed to provide supplemental oxygen, call for advanced medical help, or initiate CPR as needed based on the comprehensive assessment of the situation.