After ensuring the scene is safe, what should be your next action?

Once you have ensured that the scene is safe, the logical next step is to assess the victim's responsiveness. Checking if the victim is responsive is crucial as it helps you determine the severity of the situation and whether they need immediate assistance. Engaging the victim allows you to gauge their level of consciousness and can guide your next steps. If the victim is responsive, you can ask them about their condition or what happened. If they are unresponsive, it indicates a more critical situation that may require calling for emergency help or starting CPR immediately.

Assessing responsiveness is foundational in the chain of survival, as it leads to appropriate action based on the victim's condition. Understanding this sequence ensures that lifesaving measures are taken as promptly as possible, which is vital in emergency situations.