What is the first action you should take in an emergency situation?

In an emergency situation, calling 9-1-1 is the first essential action to take because it ensures that professional medical help is on the way. This step is crucial as it establishes communication with emergency services, allowing them to respond promptly to the situation.

Once emergency services are alerted, you can then focus on providing care to the person in need. This may involve assessing their condition, performing first aid, or providing CPR if required. The key idea is that without notifying emergency services first, the necessary medical assistance may be delayed, possibly worsening the person's condition.

Administering medication or checking the person's pulse, while important actions in certain situations, should follow the critical first step of calling for professional help. Waiting for symptoms to improve is not an appropriate response in emergencies, as timely intervention is typically necessary to prevent complications or worsening of the situation.