Before performing first aid, what should you establish?

Establishing unresponsiveness before performing first aid is crucial because it allows the responder to determine the level of immediate care needed. If a victim is unresponsive, it indicates a potential life-threatening situation requiring urgent attention. This assessment helps prioritize the responder's actions, such as checking for breathing and initiating CPR if necessary. Recognizing unresponsiveness is essential for ensuring that appropriate and timely help is provided.

While factors such as the presence of medical personnel, the victim's medical history, and the location of the nearest hospital are important, they do not take precedence over assessing the victim's state of consciousness. The immediate safety and response to a potentially critical condition must come first. Therefore, confirming unresponsiveness is an essential step in the first aid process.