If you encounter a life-threatening situation, what should you do first?

In a life-threatening situation, the priority is to ensure safety for both yourself and the victim. Care immediately might seem like the right choice, but proper protocol dictates that the first step is to check for danger in the environment. This means assessing the scene to ensure it is safe to approach the victim without putting yourself at risk.

Once you confirm that it is safe, the next steps typically involve calling for help to ensure that professional assistance is on the way, followed by providing care to the victim. This sequence is critical because attempting to provide care without ensuring your own safety or the safety of the environment can lead to further complications or even additional victims.

Being aware of danger might include things like approaching a vehicle accident, where there could be risk from fire, traffic, or unstable structures. Thus, the correct answer involves a sequence that prioritizes safety, ensuring that responders can act effectively without putting themselves at risk, which is crucial in emergency situations.