Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

When encountering an unresponsive individual, what is the first action you should take?

1. Check for responsiveness

2. Call emergency services

3. Perform CPR immediately

4. Look for medical identification

The correct answer is: Check for responsiveness

When encountering an unresponsive individual, the first action you should take is to check for responsiveness. This step is crucial as it helps determine the state of the person and guides any further actions you may need to take. Checking for responsiveness involves assessing whether the individual reacts to physical stimuli, such as shaking their shoulders or asking loudly if they are okay. This assessment allows you to gauge if the person is unconscious or has altered levels of consciousness. If the individual does not respond, it confirms that they may require immediate medical assistance. Only after confirming unresponsiveness should you move on to other critical steps, such as calling emergency services or starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), if necessary. This sequence of actions is vital because understanding whether the individual is responsive influences your next steps in providing care effectively.