What should be the first action taken if a patient is experiencing difficulty breathing?

In a situation where a patient is experiencing difficulty breathing, the priority is to ensure that there is adequate medical support available to manage the situation effectively. Calling for advanced medical support should be the first action taken as it ensures that specialized assistance is on the way, which may be crucial for the patient's survival, especially if the situation escalates.

Once medical support is en route, the healthcare provider can focus on immediate interventions such as administering oxygen or performing a physical assessment. However, without advanced medical backup, there may be limitations to what can be safely and effectively done on-site. Thus, initiating the call for advanced support allows for timely interventions to be coordinated and resources to be mobilized, ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient facing respiratory distress.