You are approaching a young adult male lying supine on the ground with his eyes closed. What should you do first?

• A. Immediately begin chest compressions.
• B. Check for responsiveness by gently tapping his shoulder and speaking to him.
• C. Look for identification in his wallet.
• D. Move him to a sitting position.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Assess the situation and ensure the environment is safe for both you and the individual. This includes checking for any immediate dangers such as traffic, fire, or other hazards.
2. Step 2: Approach the individual and check for responsiveness. Gently tap his shoulder and speak to him, asking something like 'Are you okay?' or 'Can you hear me?' to determine if he is conscious.
3. Step 3: If the individual does not respond, check for signs of breathing and circulation. Look for chest movements, listen for breath sounds, and feel for a pulse if you are trained to do so.
4. Step 4: If the individual is unresponsive and not breathing, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. If trained, begin CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths as per guidelines.
5. Step 5: If the individual is responsive or begins to regain consciousness, monitor his condition and provide reassurance while waiting for emergency services to arrive.