Upon finding an unresponsive co-worker, after tapping their shoulder, what should you do next?

In the scenario of an unresponsive co-worker, after checking their responsiveness by tapping their shoulder, the most appropriate next step is to ensure that emergency assistance is called while also requesting an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available. This is crucial because swift action can be the difference between life and death.

When someone is unresponsive, it's essential to activate emergency services immediately to provide professional medical help as quickly as possible. Having someone call 911 means that the medical team can be on their way while you proceed with further assessment and care. Additionally, bringing an AED can be vital if the person is experiencing a cardiac event, as this device can help restore a normal heart rhythm.

Other actions, such as checking for a pulse or performing CPR, can be detrimental if not accompanied by the immediate calling of emergency services. If you focus on providing care without alerting professionals, you may delay critical interventions that could save the person's life. Therefore, ensuring that an ambulance is contacted while preparing to assist is the best course of action in such an emergency situation.