What should be done first when encountering an unconscious victim in a vehicle?

When encountering an unconscious victim in a vehicle, the first step should be to check for responsiveness. This is critical for assessing the level of consciousness of the victim and helps establish whether they are alive, in need of immediate medical attention, or if you need to proceed with further actions. Checking for responsiveness involves gently shaking the person and asking if they can hear or respond to you.

This step is essential as it guides the subsequent actions you might take. For instance, if the victim does not respond, you would then need to assess their breathing and ensure their airway is clear before moving forward with additional interventions, such as applying a cervical collar or notifying dispatch for further assistance. Prioritizing this assessment ensures that you are addressing the most immediate and life-threatening issues in a systematic way.