What is the first step of the emergency action steps?

The first step of the emergency action steps is to check the scene for safety and clarity of the situation. Ensuring the scene is safe is crucial before any action is taken. This prevents further injury to both the person in need of help and the responder. If the environment poses a threat, such as traffic, fire, or unstable structures, approaching the victim might result in additional harm. By assessing the scene, the responder can determine if it's safe to proceed and gather information about what has happened, which will inform subsequent actions.

Only after ensuring the safety of the environment can the responder appropriately call for additional help if needed, provide care for the victim, or perform life-saving measures like CPR. Neglecting to check the scene first could jeopardize the responder’s safety and compromise the effectiveness of any care rendered.