What is the first step of an initial assessment?

In any emergency or initial assessment situation, determining the levels of responsiveness is crucial because it helps to evaluate the immediate condition of the individual involved. This step is essential to ensure that appropriate actions can be taken quickly based on the individual's state, whether they are conscious, alert, or in need of urgent medical attention. Assessing responsiveness sets the baseline for the assessment and subsequent interventions.

While checking for safety hazards, gathering team input, and inspecting equipment are important elements in a comprehensive assessment, they typically follow after assessing the individual's responsiveness. This prioritization ensures that any immediate dangers to health are addressed first before moving on to other logistical considerations. Therefore, starting with responsiveness creates a foundation for a structured and effective assessment process.