If you find someone who has pale, sweaty skin and feels a heavy weight on their chest with breathing troubles, what should you do?

The symptoms described—pale, sweaty skin, a heavy weight on the chest, and breathing troubles—are indicative of a serious condition, potentially related to a cardiac event such as a heart attack or severe respiratory distress. In such situations, time is critical, and swift action is necessary to ensure the individual receives appropriate medical assistance.

Contacting emergency medical services (EMS) immediately is the correct response because the individual may require advanced medical care that can only be provided by professionals. Quick access to emergency treatment can be vital in preventing further complications or even saving a life.

While monitoring the person and trying to keep them calm might seem like helpful actions, these should not take precedence over initiating emergency care when faced with potentially life-threatening symptoms. Moving them to a seated position may be helpful in some cases but should only be done after ensuring that EMS has been contacted if their condition is severe. Thus, the immediate call for EMS is the most critical first step in addressing the emergency.