What should caregivers do first in a medical emergency with a resident?

In a medical emergency, the first action caregivers should take is to assess the situation. This is crucial because understanding the nature and severity of the emergency allows caregivers to prioritize actions that can save the resident's life or prevent further harm. By evaluating the resident's condition, caregivers can determine if immediate medical assistance is needed and what kind of help is required.

Assessing the situation involves checking for responsiveness, breathing, and any visible injuries. This assessment enables caregivers to provide accurate information to emergency personnel, if needed, and ensures that appropriate interventions may be performed right away, such as initiating CPR if the resident is unresponsive and not breathing.

Other actions, while important, should come after assessing the emergency. For instance, calling family members may be necessary, but that should not occur until the immediate medical needs of the resident are understood and addressed. Gathering other staff members can be helpful, but only if it aids in managing the emergency effectively. Documenting the incident is also important for record-keeping and accountability, but it is a secondary action that should follow the immediate assessment of the resident's needs.