What is the first step to take when providing first aid to a patient who has stopped breathing?

In a situation where a patient has stopped breathing, checking for a pulse is critical as it helps assess the patient's overall condition. By determining whether a pulse is present, you can evaluate if the heart is still functioning, which influences the next steps in care. If there is a pulse but the patient is not breathing, you might perform rescue breaths. Conversely, if there's no pulse, immediately transitioning to CPR is the most appropriate action to restore circulation and oxygenation.

Calling for help is also a necessary action and should be prioritized, but it becomes part of the chain of survival after assessing the immediate condition of the patient. Administering oxygen or beginning CPR would follow the assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation. By checking for a pulse first, you can tailor your first aid response based on the patient's specific needs at that moment, ensuring that your actions are directed and effective.