In case of respiratory distress, what should be prioritized in first aid?

Prioritizing ensuring an open airway in cases of respiratory distress is critical because maintaining an unobstructed airway is essential for delivering adequate oxygen to the lungs and, consequently, to the body's organs and tissues. When a person is experiencing respiratory distress, they may have difficulty breathing due to various reasons, including choking, swelling, or underlying medical conditions. By ensuring the airway is open, you are facilitating airflow, which can prevent or mitigate further complications such as hypoxia or cardiac arrest.

While administering medication might be necessary for certain conditions, it cannot substitute for the immediate need to address breathing difficulties. Likewise, calling emergency services is vital, but the focus in the immediate moment should be on ensuring the victim can breathe. Providing comfort to the victim is important for emotional support but does not address the life-threatening nature of impaired breathing. Thus, prioritizing an open airway lays the groundwork for effective first aid and increases the chances of a positive outcome in an emergency situation.