In an emergency situation, what is the first step after confirming the scene is safe?

After confirming that the scene is safe, the first step should be to check for responsiveness. This is critical as it helps determine the consciousness level of the patient and assesses whether they are breathing normally or at all. By checking for responsiveness, you can ascertain the urgency of the situation and decide on the appropriate actions to take next. If the person is unresponsive, this indicates a medical emergency which requires immediate intervention, such as calling for help or initiating CPR if necessary.

Progressing directly to CPR without assessing responsiveness might lead to improper treatment or delay in calling for necessary assistance. Moreover, a visual survey is important, but it primarily assesses the surroundings rather than the condition of the patient. Initiating with the responsiveness check ensures that you are addressing the patient's immediate needs effectively and safely.