What is the first step before administering first aid to an injured person?

What is the first step before administering first aid to an injured person?

• A. Make sure scene is safe
• B. Check for life-threatening injuries
• C. Assess the patient's condition
• D. Call for help

Answer: (A)

Making sure the scene is safe is the first thing to do before giving any aid. If there are hazards—traffic, fire, leaking fuel, collapsing structures—they can injure you or others and stop you from helping effectively. Quickly scan for danger and, if possible, remove or reduce hazards so you can approach without becoming a casualty yourself. Once the area is safe, you can move on to assessing the person’s condition, checking responsiveness and breathing, and calling for help as needed. Those steps are essential, but they come after establishing a safe environment for you to work in.

Making sure the scene is safe is the first thing to do before giving any aid. If there are hazards—traffic, fire, leaking fuel, collapsing structures—they can injure you or others and stop you from helping effectively. Quickly scan for danger and, if possible, remove or reduce hazards so you can approach without becoming a casualty yourself. Once the area is safe, you can move on to assessing the person’s condition, checking responsiveness and breathing, and calling for help as needed. Those steps are essential, but they come after establishing a safe environment for you to work in.