Which step comes first in the 16 steps to patient assessment?

The first step in the 16 steps to patient assessment is scene safety. Ensuring the safety of the scene is paramount for both the EMS provider and the patient. Before any assessment or intervention can take place, it is critical to evaluate the environment for potential hazards that could jeopardize the health and safety of the responders or the victims.

The assessment begins with identifying any dangers present, such as traffic, fire, hazardous materials, or unstable structures. By prioritizing scene safety, EMS providers can create a secure environment to effectively care for the patient without further endangering themselves or others. This systematic approach not only helps in patient care but also ensures that the assessment process can proceed without interruption from external threats.

After confirming that the scene is safe, providers can move on to the next steps, such as general impression and determining the priority of the patient, but the initial scene safety assessment is the foundation that allows those subsequent actions to be taken effectively.