What should be done immediately after calling for emergency services?

Beginning CPR if the patient is unresponsive and not breathing is crucial because immediate action can significantly increase the chances of survival. After calling emergency services, the responder must assess the patient's condition quickly. If the person is not breathing or only gasping, it indicates that their heart may have stopped, necessitating immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

CPR helps maintain blood flow to vital organs and can be the difference between life and death while waiting for professional medical help. The prompt execution of CPR can double or triple a victim's chance of survival, especially in cases of cardiac arrest.

In the context of this question, the urgency of providing CPR outweighs any delay in action. Following the call for emergency assistance, the next step should always focus on directly addressing the life-threatening condition of the patient to ensure the best possible outcome.