What is the first action to take when dealing with a prolapsed cord in an OB emergency?

In the case of a prolapsed cord, the priority is to relieve pressure on the cord, which is crucial because compression can compromise blood flow to the fetus and lead to hypoxia. The first action to take in this situation is to push the presenting part of the fetus away from the cord in order to alleviate that pressure. This may involve manually elevating the fetal head or body to create space around the umbilical cord.

This immediate response is vital because the health and safety of the fetus depend on maintaining adequate circulation through the umbilical cord. While notifying the physician, covering the cord in moist saline, and elevating the legs can be important in the overall management of the situation, they are not the first priority. The most critical step is to relieve pressure directly on the cord.