In the event a patient gasps and becomes unresponsive while bathing, what should the Personal Care Assistant do first?

In the scenario where a patient gasps and becomes unresponsive while bathing, the appropriate first action is to lower the patient to the floor. This response is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps to prevent potential injuries that could occur from a fall if the patient becomes fully unresponsive and might lose their balance in a standing position. Lowering the patient to the floor ensures that they are in a safer position to receive further care.

Moreover, once the patient is on the ground, the Personal Care Assistant can better assess the situation and ensure the patient is safe and stable until emergency assistance arrives. Helping to maintain an open airway can also be more readily accomplished when the patient is lying down, which is vital if they are experiencing difficulty breathing or any obstruction.

Other actions, such as shaking the patient or calling for family members first, do not address the immediate need to stabilize the patient and ensure their safety. Administering first-aid measures should follow once the patient has been appropriately positioned, ensuring that immediate assistance aligns with establishing a safe environment.