What should be the priority action when a patient presents with chest pain?

When a patient presents with chest pain, the priority action is to assess vital signs and perform a quick physical examination. This step is crucial because it helps determine the severity of the condition and whether the chest pain is cardiac-related or due to another issue. By assessing vital signs, a healthcare provider can identify abnormalities such as tachycardia, bradycardia, hypotension, or hypertension, which can indicate the underlying cause of the chest pain.

Performing a quick physical exam further aids in identifying any signs of distress, respiratory issues, or abnormal heart sounds, which could guide immediate management. Establishing this clinical picture early on is essential for forming an appropriate treatment plan and ensuring the patient's safety.

While administering aspirin, obtaining the medical history, and calling for advanced personnel are important steps in the overall management of a patient with chest pain, they follow after an initial assessment. Understanding the patient's vital signs and current physical condition is fundamental to making informed decisions about further interventions, including whether or not to administer medications like aspirin or involving advanced medical personnel based on the urgency of the situation.