After ensuring the scene is safe, what is the next step in a primary assessment?

In a primary assessment, after ensuring that the scene is safe, the immediate next step is to check the victim for responsiveness. This involves gently tapping the person and shouting to see if they respond. Establishing whether the victim is conscious or unconscious is crucial because it determines the subsequent actions that need to be taken to provide care. If the person is unresponsive, it indicates a more serious situation, and you may need to call for emergency help or start CPR, depending on their condition.

Recognizing the responsiveness of the victim sets the groundwork for assessing their breathing as well. While checking for breathing is a vital part of the assessment, it comes after confirming responsiveness because knowing whether the person can respond allows the rescuer to make informed decisions about how to proceed. If the victim is responsive, they may be able to provide important information about their condition, which can influence how you continue the assessment.