What is the first step in the primary survey for a trauma patient?

The first step in the primary survey for a trauma patient is to check responsiveness. This step is crucial because it helps the paramedic ascertain the patient's level of consciousness and awareness. Determining responsiveness enables the healthcare provider to gauge the patient's neurological status and prioritize subsequent interventions based on the severity of their condition.

By checking responsiveness, first responders can quickly identify any immediate threats to the patient's airway or breathing. If the patient is unresponsive, the paramedic can initiate measures to secure the airway and ensure adequate ventilation. This initial assessment also provides valuable information regarding the patient's overall stability and the potential need for rapid transport to a medical facility.

Other options, such as assessing blood pressure or performing a head-to-toe assessment, are essential parts of the overall evaluation but come after establishing responsiveness. Administering oxygen, while often critical, also typically follows the initial assessment of whether the patient can maintain their own airway and if they are responsive. Thus, checking responsiveness is the foundational step that drives the direction of further assessments and interventions in the primary survey.