What should be the first step in providing first aid?

The first step in providing first aid is to assess the situation for safety. This is crucial because ensuring both your safety and the safety of the victim is the top priority. If the environment poses any danger—such as traffic, fire, or hazardous materials—intervening without first ensuring safety could lead to further harm to both the responder and the person in need of aid.

Once safety is confirmed, the first responder can then approach the situation, check for responsiveness, and determine the next steps which may include calling for emergency assistance if the situation is serious. Beginning CPR is only appropriate if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing, and clothing removal may be necessary later to assess injuries but is not the priority initially. Thus, assessing the situation lays the foundation for any subsequent actions in first aid.