What is the next step after approaching an unresponsive adult and ensuring scene safety?

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Multiple Choice

What is the next step after approaching an unresponsive adult and ensuring scene safety?

Determining consciousness by checking responsiveness is the next step. After ensuring the scene is safe, you quickly test whether the person can respond by gently tapping their shoulder and shouting, “Are you okay?” This quick check tells you if they’re awake and able to participate in their care. If they respond, you can proceed with appropriate actions and monitor their condition. If there’s no response, you immediately escalate by calling for emergency services and retrieving an AED, then proceed to check breathing and start CPR if they’re not breathing normally. This step is essential because it guides the rest of the actions—you must know whether the person is conscious to decide between continuing to seek help or starting life-saving measures.

Determining consciousness by checking responsiveness is the next step. After ensuring the scene is safe, you quickly test whether the person can respond by gently tapping their shoulder and shouting, “Are you okay?” This quick check tells you if they’re awake and able to participate in their care. If they respond, you can proceed with appropriate actions and monitor their condition. If there’s no response, you immediately escalate by calling for emergency services and retrieving an AED, then proceed to check breathing and start CPR if they’re not breathing normally. This step is essential because it guides the rest of the actions—you must know whether the person is conscious to decide between continuing to seek help or starting life-saving measures.

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