What is the first action to take if you find an unconscious patient in a waiting room?

In a situation where an unconscious patient is found in a waiting room, the first action to take is to check for breathing. This step is crucial because it helps to determine the patient's condition and the immediate need for life-saving measures. If the patient is not breathing or has an abnormal breathing pattern, it indicates a critical situation that requires rapid intervention, such as calling for help and potentially performing CPR.

Checking breathing provides vital information about the patient's airway and overall stability. Without assessing whether the patient is breathing, it is impossible to prioritize further actions appropriately. If the patient is breathing normally, the next steps can be focused on ensuring the patient’s safety and comfort while waiting for help.