Standard First Aid, CPR, and AED Pre-Test Practice Exam

Ensuring the scene is safe is the first action because your safety is the prerequisite for helping. If there are hazards—traffic, fire, a dangerous person, chemicals, or unstable surroundings—approaching could put you at risk and prevent you from giving effective aid. By quickly assessing and removing yourself from immediate danger or moving the person only if necessary and safe, you create a situation where you can assess responsiveness, call for help, and determine whether CPR is needed. Once safety is established, you would check responsiveness, shout for help, and then assess breathing to decide on CPR if unresponsive and not breathing normally.