Upon entering a home where an elderly person called 911 for chest pain, what should be your first action?

The first action upon entering a home where an elderly person has called 911 for chest pain is to establish a general impression of the patient and the scene. This step is crucial because it allows the responder to quickly assess the environment, determine the severity of the patient's condition, and prioritize actions based on the overall situation.

By forming a general impression, the responder can observe the patient's level of consciousness, breathing patterns, and apparent distress, which are critical indicators of how to proceed with care. Additionally, assessing the surroundings can highlight potential hazards or the presence of bystanders that might indicate additional information about the patient's condition.

Other options, like checking blood pressure, collecting medications, or load and go, are important components of patient care but should come after the initial general impression is made. These actions could be influenced by what the responder observes during the general assessment. For example, if the patient appears extremely unstable or in critical distress, immediate intervention or transport might be prioritized over collecting medications. Thus, starting with a general impression ensures a more effective and informed approach to the patient's care.