What should a paramedic do first when evaluating an unresponsive patient?

When evaluating an unresponsive patient, the first step a paramedic should take is to check for responsiveness and breathing. This action is critical because it helps determine the patient's level of consciousness and whether they are breathing, which is essential for assessing their immediate medical needs.

By checking for responsiveness, the paramedic can ascertain if the patient is in a state of altered consciousness, which could indicate various underlying conditions. Additionally, assessing breathing is vital; if the patient is not breathing adequately or at all, immediate actions such as CPR may be warranted. This step ensures that the paramedic can appropriately prioritize further interventions based on the patient's status.

Other actions, such as contacting medical control or assessing the patient's medical history, are important but can only be performed after the critical initial evaluation of responsiveness and breathing. These steps might delay necessary urgent care, which could be detrimental in a life-threatening situation. Therefore, the correct approach emphasizes the immediate assessment of responsiveness and breathing as the foundation for further medical decision-making and intervention.