What is the first action to take after ensuring the scene is safe?

After ensuring the scene is safe, the first appropriate action is to check the patient's responsiveness. This step is crucial because it helps you assess the individual's level of consciousness and determine the appropriate next steps in treatment. By evaluating responsiveness, you can gather vital information about the patient's condition, which guides further actions such as assessing the airway or calling for additional medical assistance if necessary.

Checking for breathing and pulse, calling for additional medical help, or administering first aid are all important actions, but they typically follow the initial assessment of responsiveness. If the person is unresponsive, immediate airway management and additional interventions may be required, which highlights the importance of this initial assessment. Therefore, prioritizing the check of responsiveness ensures a structured approach to handling the emergency appropriately.