Which action should be taken first when attending to a person with suspected shock?

In a situation where a person is suspected of having shock, the first action that should be taken is to call for emergency assistance. Shock is a serious medical condition that requires prompt attention and professional medical care. By alerting emergency services, you ensure that trained medical personnel can reach the scene quickly to provide the necessary interventions.

While other actions are important in managing a person in shock, such as positioning the individual properly or providing fluids, these steps will be more effective once emergency services are involved. Elevating the legs and laying the person down can help improve blood flow to the vital organs, but without professional evaluation and treatment, these measures may not be sufficient to prevent further deterioration of the person's condition. Encouraging the person to drink water can also pose risks, especially if they are unable to swallow or if their condition worsens, making it vital to prioritize calling for help first.