How should the environment be assessed before providing first aid?

Ensuring that the environment is safe is crucial before providing first aid. When approaching a situation where someone needs assistance, the first priority must always be your own safety and that of others in the vicinity. If the environment is unsafe, any efforts to provide aid could result in additional injuries or complications for both the rescuer and the victim. This includes evaluating potential hazards such as electrical wires, fire, or unstable structures that could pose risks.

While gathering a weather report, checking for nearby hazards, and evaluating the availability of resources are also important considerations in various contexts, they do not take precedence over the immediate need to ensure a safe environment. A rescuer cannot effectively help someone if they themselves are in danger. Therefore, the correct approach is to first make sure the area is secure before proceeding with any first aid measures.