What is the first step to take when faced with a patient exhibiting signs of obstructed airway?

When faced with a patient exhibiting signs of an obstructed airway, the first and most critical action is to assure airway patency. This means assessing and attempting to open the airway to determine if there is indeed an obstruction and to allow for any necessary interventions to be performed.

In a situation of airway obstruction, time is of the essence. Quickly ensuring that the airway is open can make a significant difference in the patient's outcome. In many cases, visualizing the airway, simply repositioning the patient's head, or performing basic maneuvers to clear the obstruction can be lifesaving steps.

Taking steps to call for help, while important in a broader context, is typically not the immediate first action in a life-threatening scenario like airway obstruction. Similarly, beginning CPR is reserved for patients who have lost all signs of circulation, and the Heimlich maneuver is specifically indicated for conscious patients with severe airway obstruction, but only after confirming that the airway is not patent. Prioritizing the assurance of airway patency allows for a swift response to the potentially immediate airway threat the patient is experiencing.