What should you do first when discovering an unresponsive patient after a trauma?

The first action upon discovering an unresponsive patient after a trauma is to check for a pulse and breathing. This critical step is part of assessing the patient's vital signs to determine the immediate state of their respiratory and circulatory systems. If the patient is not breathing and does not have a pulse, immediate CPR is warranted to provide life-saving support.

It is essential to perform this assessment quickly yet thoroughly, as the findings will dictate the subsequent medical actions. While performing a primary survey is important for identifying life-threatening conditions, ensuring the patient has a pulse and is breathing takes precedence in urgency. Similarly, while calling for advanced life support might be necessary, it should occur after initially assessing the patient if help is already available or if there's someone else who can make that call while you provide care.

In summary, assessing pulse and breathing provides the critical information needed to guide your next steps in patient care effectively.