During your initial assessment of a trauma patient, what should be done first?

The first step during the initial assessment of a trauma patient is to check airway, breathing, and circulation, often referred to as the ABCs. This approach is critical because it addresses the immediate life-threatening conditions that can arise from trauma. Ensuring that the airway is clear and that the patient is breathing adequately allows for the assessment of oxygenation and ventilation, which are vital to the patient's survival.

Circulation should also be evaluated to identify any signs of shock or significant bleeding that could compromise the patient's overall health. By prioritizing the ABCs, the EMT can quickly intervene in cases where there are airway obstructions, inadequate breathing, or compromised circulation, potentially saving the patient's life.

Other actions, such as administering medications or performing a full body check, can be important but should follow the assessment of the ABCs. Similarly, while providing reassurance to the patient is important for psychological support, it does not take precedence over addressing critical physiological needs. Therefore, the best practice in trauma assessment starts with the ABCs to ensure that the most urgent issues are managed first.