What is the first step in the primary assessment of a patient?

The first step in the primary assessment of a patient involves assessing the patient’s responsiveness using the AVPU scale, which stands for Alert, Verbal response, Pain response, and Unresponsive. This assessment is crucial because it helps determine the patient's neurological status and overall level of consciousness. By checking responsiveness first, the medic can quickly identify whether there are significant alterations in consciousness that may indicate life-threatening conditions.

This initial evaluation allows for prioritization of care and can guide decisions about subsequent interventions, such as airway management or circulation support. In emergency situations, understanding the patient's level of consciousness provides vital information that can influence the urgency and approach of further assessment and interventions.