A 46-year-old male is complaining of chest pain. What should you do first?

In an emergency situation involving a patient with chest pain, the priority is to ensure that the patient receives adequate oxygenation and that vital signs are obtained to assess their condition. Administering oxygen helps ensure that the heart and other organs are receiving sufficient oxygen, which is crucial, especially if the chest pain is related to a cardiac issue.

Obtaining baseline vital signs provides important data on the patient's current state, including heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, which are essential for guiding treatment decisions and interventions. This information allows for a better understanding of the severity of the patient's condition and helps monitor any changes over time.

While obtaining a thorough medical history, administering nitroglycerin, or providing aspirin are also important steps in the management of chest pain, they come after ensuring the patient is stable through oxygenation and vital sign assessment. It is essential to first address the immediate needs of the patient, particularly in potentially life-threatening situations.