Assessing and prioritizing the need for first aid involves the ability to:

Recognizing life-threatening conditions is crucial in assessing and prioritizing the need for first aid because it allows a lifeguard or rescuer to identify situations that require immediate intervention. When a person is injured or unwell, certain conditions—such as lack of consciousness, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or signs of a heart attack—pose immediate risks to the person's life. By prioritizing these life-threatening issues, a rescuer can take prompt action, such as performing CPR or controlling bleeding, which is essential for improving the chances of survival and preventing further injury.

While communicating with the injured person can provide valuable information, understanding medical terminology may help in professional settings, and evaluating the scene for dangers is important for personal safety, these actions do not directly inform the immediate need for first aid as effectively as recognizing life-threatening conditions does. Without the ability to recognize severe situations, the responder may miss critical interventions that could save a life. Therefore, focusing on life-threatening conditions ensures that those in the most perilous situations receive priority care first.