What is the first step when you encounter a patient who is unresponsive in a crashed vehicle?

Ensuring the vehicle is stable is the critical first step when encountering an unresponsive patient in a crashed vehicle. Before providing any care, it is essential to assess the environment for safety. An unstable vehicle poses significant risks not only to the patient but also to the responder. If the vehicle is at risk of rolling over or collapsing due to the crash, moving in too quickly could lead to further injury or complications for both the patient and the responder.

By prioritizing vehicle stability, first responders can create a safer environment for delivering medical help. Once safety is established, attention can then be directed to the patient for assessments such as checking for breathing or attempting to wake them. It is important to conduct these assessments only after ensuring that the scene is safe, reflecting adherence to established protocols for emergency response.