In responding to injuries, which step is the first action?

• A. Call for help
• B. Analyze the situation
• C. Do not move the victim
• D. Look for signs of life

Answer: (A)

Getting help on the way is the fastest way to get professional care for an injured person. The first action is to call emergency services or summon trained responders so they can arrive with the proper equipment and start life-saving care as soon as possible. This starts the chain of survival and guides everyone else who may assist. While assessing the scene and checking the person’s responsiveness and breathing are important steps, they come after you’ve activated help. Rules about not moving the victim are about safety to prevent further injury, especially for potential spinal injuries, but they don’t initiate care. Looking for signs of life helps determine if CPR is needed, yet calling for help begins the process and allows responders to take over while you continue with appropriate first aid.