Question 41

Call 911

The first life-saving step to take when a teenager has collapsed and is unresponsive is to call 911. This action ensures that emergency medical services are notified and can provide immediate assistance.

A) Make the teenager comfortable

While making the teenager comfortable may seem helpful, it is not a priority in a life-threatening situation. The primary concern must be to ensure that professional medical help is on the way, as the teenager may require urgent medical intervention.

B) Call 911

Calling 911 is the correct first step because it alerts emergency services to the situation. This is crucial in a medical emergency, as trained responders can arrive quickly to provide the necessary care and transport the teenager to a hospital if needed.

C) Start chest compressions

Starting chest compressions is appropriate only if the teenager is not breathing and does not have a pulse. However, without first calling for emergency assistance, performing chest compressions alone does not address the need for professional medical help, which is vital in such a scenario.

D) Find the teenager's parent

While locating the teenager's parent may seem important, it is not the immediate action that should be taken. The priority is to ensure that emergency services are contacted, as parental presence does not substitute for the urgent medical care required in this situation.

Conclusion

Calling 911 is the definitive first step in this emergency scenario, as it ensures that professional medical help is on the way. All other options either delay necessary action or do not address the immediate need for emergency assistance, making option B the most critical response.