Which of the following is a sign that immediate action is required in a healthcare emergency?

Immediate action is required when a patient is not responding and shows no signs of life. This condition indicates a critical emergency, often associated with cardiac arrest or severe respiratory failure. In such scenarios, quick intervention is essential to restore circulation and breathing, which can prevent irreversible damage or death.

When a patient is unresponsive and has no signs of life, it is vital to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and call for emergency medical services right away. Recognizing this life-threatening situation allows healthcare providers to act swiftly to provide the necessary care.

In contrast, signs such as a calm and alert patient or minor complaints do not typically indicate an immediate threat to life and would not warrant such urgent action. The presence of relatives may provide support but does not influence the need for immediate medical intervention. Therefore, the absence of responsiveness and vital signs is the key factor that underscores the necessity for immediate action in a healthcare emergency.