The American Red Cross Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Practice Test

In an emergency situation, the first step that should be taken is to assess the victim. This involves checking the victim for responsiveness and their overall condition. By doing so, Benjamin can determine whether the person is conscious, breathing, and in need of immediate medical attention. Assessing the victim is a crucial step because it informs the rescuer about the situation and helps to prioritize actions based on the severity of the victim's condition.

It’s essential for rescuers to gather information about the victim before taking further action, such as calling for help or administering first aid. This initial assessment helps in making informed decisions about the next steps needed to provide effective assistance. In some cases, if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing, it may be necessary to call for emergency help and start CPR. Therefore, checking the victim should always be the first action taken in any emergency response scenario.