What is the first step in BLS assessment?

What is the first step in BLS assessment?

• A. Check for breathing
• B. Shout for help
• C. Assess the scene & 'Are you okay?!'
• D. Activate emergency response system

Answer: (C)

The first step is to assess the scene for safety and check responsiveness by asking, “Are you okay?” This sets up two crucial realities at once: you protect yourself and you quickly determine whether the person is conscious. If there’s no response, you immediately summon help and activate the emergency response system (and fetch an AED) while you begin CPR if indicated. If the person does respond, you can communicate with them and decide the next actions. Breathing checks and other steps come after establishing safety and responsiveness, because you need to know the situation and have emergency support lined up before proceeding.

The first step is to assess the scene for safety and check responsiveness by asking, “Are you okay?” This sets up two crucial realities at once: you protect yourself and you quickly determine whether the person is conscious. If there’s no response, you immediately summon help and activate the emergency response system (and fetch an AED) while you begin CPR if indicated. If the person does respond, you can communicate with them and decide the next actions. Breathing checks and other steps come after establishing safety and responsiveness, because you need to know the situation and have emergency support lined up before proceeding.