During first aid, if a patient is exhibiting signs of hypoxia, what should you prioritize after assessing their condition?

Administering oxygen as per protocol is the priority after assessing a patient exhibiting signs of hypoxia because oxygen is crucial for restoring adequate tissue oxygenation. Hypoxia indicates that the body's cells are not receiving enough oxygen, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. By providing supplemental oxygen, you help improve the patient's oxygen saturation levels and support vital organ function. This intervention is essential in preventing further deterioration of the patient’s condition.

In situations of hypoxia, starting CPR immediately is not warranted unless the patient is in cardiac arrest, as providing oxygen can be more beneficial in situations where breathing is compromised but the heart is still functioning. While calling for emergency medical services is important, the immediate need is to stabilize the patient's breathing by administering oxygen. Providing reassurance to the patient is also valuable but does not directly address the critical need for oxygen in cases of hypoxia. Therefore, the focus should be on delivering oxygen promptly to improve the patient's condition effectively.