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When an assisting responder arrives during CPR, what should they do first?

  1. Begin giving ventilations to the victim.

  2. Call for a change in position to assist with CPR.

  3. Check to see whether EMS personnel have been called.

  4. Have the first lifeguard stop CPR to allow for victim reassessment.

The correct answer is: Check to see whether EMS personnel have been called.

When an assisting responder arrives during CPR, the first step should be to check whether emergency medical services (EMS) personnel have been called. This is crucial because ensuring that professional help is on the way is vital for the victim’s prognosis. If EMS has not been called, it's essential to do so immediately to provide the victim with the best chance of survival. Having someone on the scene call for EMS allows for prompt medical intervention, which can be critical in emergencies. This action takes priority over beginning ventilations, changing positions, or stopping CPR for reassessment. During a resuscitation effort, maximizing efficiency and ensuring that all necessary services are activated promptly is imperative. Hence, verifying the status of EMS provides a foundation for effective lifesaving measures.