After you have called for help, what is the next step you should take?

The correct approach after calling for help is to perform a quick check of the victim. This step is crucial because it allows you to assess the victim's condition and determine the necessary actions to take while waiting for emergency responders to arrive. Evaluating the victim's responsiveness, breathing, and circulation can provide vital information about their state. If the victim is conscious, you can also gather information about their symptoms or the events leading to their emergency. This initial assessment is key for understanding how to assist effectively and for providing essential details to emergency personnel when they arrive.

In contrast, providing comfort to the victim might be beneficial but should follow the assessment, ensuring you know the level of urgency and what immediate care, if any, the victim might need. Waiting at the scene without taking further action after the call for help does not make use of the time effectively and could lead to a worsening situation for the victim. Starting CPR is critical in cases of cardiac arrest, but it should only be initiated if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing effectively; hence the quick check is a necessary precursor to determine the appropriate response.