In the case of a medical emergency, what is a CNA's immediate action?

In the event of a medical emergency, the first and most critical action for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is to call for help and alert a nurse. This is important because CNAs are trained to assist professionals, but they do not have the full medical training to handle emergencies independently.

Alerting a nurse ensures that the situation is addressed by someone with the appropriate expertise and authority to make medical decisions. Nurses are equipped to assess the situation, provide the necessary interventions, and call for further assistance if needed. This collaborative approach, where the CNA functions as part of a healthcare team, is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient.

Additionally, it is vital for the CNA to remain with the patient as much as possible to monitor their condition until help arrives, which strengthens the response to the emergency. This coordinated response is far more effective than attempting to intervene alone or pursuing help without notifying anyone on the medical team.