A 20-year-old male collapses while eating and appears cyanotic. What is the first thing you should do?

The most appropriate initial action when a person collapses, particularly in the context described, is to check their responsiveness. This step is crucial as it helps to assess the patient's consciousness and determines if they are breathing adequately or are in need of immediate intervention. When a person is unresponsive, it typically indicates a serious condition that may require prompt action, such as starting CPR or clearing the airway.

By checking for responsiveness first, you can quickly gauge the situation. If the individual is not responsive and not breathing adequately, this leads to the immediate need for life-saving measures. It sets the stage for subsequent assessments of airway and breathing or the application of interventions like CPR or the Heimlich maneuver if you suspect a foreign body obstruction.

While it is important to check for a pulse and inspect the airway, doing so before assessing responsiveness may lead to missed opportunities for timely intervention in a rapidly deteriorating scenario. Calling for backup could be necessary, but it should come after a quick assessment of the patient's current state. Prioritizing responsiveness allows for the most efficient use of time in a critical situation.