What is the recommended first step in the Basic Life Support (BLS) protocol?

The recommended first step in the Basic Life Support (BLS) protocol is to check for responsiveness and establish the patient's breathing status. This step is crucial because it helps in determining whether the patient is conscious or in need of immediate life-saving interventions. By assessing responsiveness, the rescuer can determine the urgency of the situation and decide on the next actions.

If a patient is unresponsive, the rescuer must ascertain whether the individual is breathing. This assessment informs whether to initiate CPR or take other critical actions. Identifying the patient's breathing status is vital; if they are not breathing or not adequately ventilating, immediate intervention is required.

Calling for emergency assistance is a necessary part of the procedure; however, it comes after establishing the patient's condition. Checking the pulse can be an important step, but it is not as immediate as checking responsiveness and breathing because it requires advanced training and can delay critical interventions if the rescuer is unable to detect a pulse promptly. Thus, establishing the patient's breathing status provides clear guidance for the rescuer's next steps.