What should you verify at the scene before offering assistance to a victim?

Before offering assistance to a victim, the most critical step is to verify the safety of the scene. Ensuring that the area is safe allows you to provide help without putting yourself or others at risk. This means checking for any potential dangers, such as oncoming traffic, fire hazards, or other threats that could complicate the situation or lead to further injuries.

Taking this precaution is essential because if the scene is not safe, the rescuer could become another victim, which defeats the purpose of providing aid. If you are in danger, you cannot effectively assist someone else. This focus on personal safety is a fundamental principle in first aid training and highlights the importance of situational awareness in emergency response situations.

While knowing the victim's medical history, obtaining consent to assist, and considering weather conditions may be important in various circumstances, they are secondary to ensuring immediate safety. A secure environment must be established before any medical intervention can take place.