Which of the following is an appropriate first step in responding to a cardiac arrest?

Identifying an unresponsive person and calling for help is a crucial first step in responding to a cardiac arrest. This action not only ensures that emergency assistance is on the way but also allows you to assess the situation more effectively. Recognizing unresponsiveness indicates that immediate intervention is necessary.

Once you have called for help, you can proceed to other critical steps, such as checking for breathing and beginning CPR if needed. This prioritization of tasks is essential in a cardiac arrest scenario because timely intervention can significantly improve survival rates. In addition, calling for help ensures that additional resources, such as an automated external defibrillator (AED) or advanced medical personnel, will arrive as quickly as possible to assist in the emergency.