Which is the five-step sequence for a basic ground casualty assessment?

• A. Check for breathing, then responsiveness, then scene safety, then call for help, then care.
• B. Check scene safety, check responsiveness, call for help, check breathing, provide care.
• C. Check scene safety, call for help, check responsiveness, check breathing, provide care as needed.
• D. Call for help, check scene safety, check breathing, check responsiveness, provide care.

Answer: (C)

Starting with scene safety keeps you and the casualty from entering a hazardous situation. Getting help on the way early is crucial so professional responders and equipment can be on site as soon as possible, especially if the casualty needs CPR or advanced care.

Then determining if the person is responsive shows whether they are conscious and able to follow commands, which guides what you do next. If they don’t respond, you already know you must escalate care quickly and continue to the breathing check to decide if CPR is needed. If they are responsive, you already have a sense of their level of consciousness and can tailor your actions accordingly.

Checking breathing after confirming responsiveness helps you decide whether the casualty is breathing normally and whether rescue breaths or CPR are required. If there’s no normal breathing, you start life-saving measures right away; if breathing is present, you continue with the appropriate care while monitoring.

Finally, provide care as needed based on what you found—open the airway if necessary, control any bleeding, protect the spine if trauma is suspected, and keep monitoring the person while waiting for help. This sequence ensures safety first, rapid escalation of help, and a clear path to life-saving actions when required.