What is the first step when someone shows signs of respiratory distress?

The first step when someone shows signs of respiratory distress is to call EMS. This is crucial because respiratory distress can indicate a serious medical emergency that requires immediate professional intervention. Time is of the essence in such situations, as the individual may be unable to breathe adequately or may be at risk of severe complications, including respiratory failure.

When emergency medical services are notified, trained personnel can start assessing the situation and provide advanced care as soon as they arrive. The sooner professional help is on the way, the better the outcome is likely to be for the person experiencing the distress. Initiating this step allows the first aider to focus on providing comfort and reassurance to the person in distress rather than delaying care. While other measures, such as moving the person to a quiet place, may be beneficial for comfort, they should not take precedence over calling for emergency help.