What is the first step when dealing with any emergency situation?

In any emergency situation, ensuring safety for yourself and the victim is the first and most crucial step. This is fundamental because if the environment is unsafe, any attempts to help could lead to further injury or complicate the situation. For example, if there is a fire, incoming traffic, or potential hazards like live electrical wires, addressing these risks protects both the rescuer and the victim.

Once safety is established, the responder can then effectively assess the situation without becoming a second victim. After ensuring safety, other steps can follow, such as checking for responsiveness or calling emergency services, but without establishing safety first, those actions could be ineffective or dangerous.