What is the first step in the primary assessment of a patient?

The first step in the primary assessment of a patient is to establish a general impression. This initial evaluation is crucial as it allows the responder to quickly assess the patient's condition and prioritize care based on their level of distress and immediate needs. The general impression involves looking at the patient's appearance, their responsiveness, and any obvious life threats or critical issues, such as severe bleeding or difficulty breathing.

Establishing a general impression helps to form a foundation for the rest of the assessment process. By observing the patient, the responder can determine if they are awake and alert or if there are signs of shock or respiratory distress. This initial observation is essential before proceeding to more detailed evaluations, such as vital signs or patient history, which are important but not as immediate in addressing life-threatening conditions.