You respond to someone who has just collapsed. After you make sure the scene is safe, what should you do next?

• A. Check to see if the victim is responsive
• B. Check for breathing
• C. Start chest compressions immediately
• D. Check for a pulse at the neck

Answer: (A)

After ensuring the scene is safe, the first thing to do is check whether the person is responsive. A quick tap and shout helps you determine if they are awake and able to respond. This information guides what you do next: if they respond, you can obtain consent and monitor their status; if they do not respond, you should call emergency services and be prepared to start CPR if they are not breathing normally. Breathing checks and pulse checks come after you establish responsiveness, and a carotid pulse check isn’t typically reliable for a bystander and can waste time. So the next step is to assess responsiveness to decide whether to activate EMS and how to proceed with life-saving measures.