In the primary assessment of a victim, what is the first thing you should check for?

In the primary assessment of a victim, the first thing to check for is responsiveness. This step is crucial because it helps you determine the victim's level of consciousness and whether they are able to respond to stimuli. Checking responsiveness involves assessing whether the victim is awake and alert, can answer questions, or can respond to physical prompts, such as a gentle shake.

This step is essential because if a victim is unresponsive, it may indicate a serious life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. Furthermore, determining whether a person is responsive helps guide the next steps in the assessment and care process, informing any necessary actions such as calling for emergency help or beginning CPR if needed.

Once responsiveness is assessed, you can then proceed to evaluate the victim’s breathing, pulse, and other vital signs. These subsequent assessments are important but come after establishing the victim's responsiveness, as it is a key indicator of their overall neurological status and the urgency of the situation.