When should a First Responder initiate the rescue call after delivering care?

The most appropriate time for a First Responder to initiate a rescue call is as soon as it is safe and feasible to do so. This response is crucial because timely notification of emergency services can significantly impact the outcome for a patient requiring urgent care.

When a First Responder arrives at the scene, their first priority is to assess the situation for safety—for themselves, the patient, and others around. Once they determine that it is safe to act, they should promptly call for additional help. The rationale for this approach is rooted in the idea that while delivering initial care is important, it is equally vital to ensure that advanced medical support is on the way as soon as possible to provide further treatment or transport the patient to a medical facility.

Delaying the call until care is fully provided can result in unnecessary risks to the patient, especially in life-threatening situations. Similarly, calling right before starting any treatment or only when requested by the patient undermines the critical nature of immediate care and support, as those in distress may not have the ability to make these decisions coherently. This approach emphasizes the importance of proactive and prompt decision-making in emergency medical situations.