What is the first step a paramedic should take when assessing a patient?

The first step a paramedic should take when assessing a patient is to check responsiveness. This step is crucial because it determines the patient's level of consciousness and helps to assess their immediate medical needs. Checking responsiveness allows the paramedic to quickly evaluate if the patient is alert, responsive to verbal stimuli, or requires immediate attention due to a reduced level of consciousness.

Establishing the patient's airway, obtaining vital signs, and determining the mechanism of injury are all important components of the patient assessment process. However, they should follow the initial assessment of responsiveness. If a patient is unresponsive, there may be an immediate need to address airway issues or other critical interventions before proceeding with vital sign checks or further assessments. Thus, checking responsiveness sets the stage for the subsequent steps in the assessment and management protocol in an emergency situation.