Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What should be your first action in an emergency situation?

1. Check for breathing

2. Check for responsiveness

3. Call for help

4. Assess for pulse

The correct answer is: Check for responsiveness

In an emergency situation, the first action you should take is to check for responsiveness. This step is crucial because it helps you determine the immediate state of the individual in need of assistance. By assessing whether the person responds to stimuli—such as verbally calling out to them or gently shaking their shoulders—you gather vital information about their condition. If the person responds, you can engage them in further assessment or assist them as needed. If there is no response, you can quickly move to the next actions, which include calling for help and starting further assessment like checking for breathing and pulse. Taking this initial step to check for responsiveness directs your subsequent actions appropriately and ensures that help is on the way as quickly as possible if the individual is unresponsive. Hence, this approach prioritizes the safety of both the victim and the rescuer, allowing for the most effective response in a critical situation.