In an emergency with multiple causalities, what should you first assess?

In an emergency with multiple casualties, it is crucial to first assess the level of response from each individual. This assessment helps determine the immediate needs of the victims and their responsiveness, which is vital for prioritizing care. By checking if individuals are conscious, alert, or crying for help, you can identify those who require urgent attention versus those who may be stable and can wait a little longer for help.

Understanding the responsiveness allows for the implementation of triage protocols, where assistance can be directed to the most critically injured or unresponsive individuals first. This strategic approach optimizes the use of available resources in a chaotic environment, enhancing the overall outcome for the casualties involved.

Other options, while important in their own right, do not provide the immediate clarity needed in a multi-casualty incident. Assessing the severity of injuries, availability of medical supplies, or the distance to medical facilities are all important considerations, but they become relevant after you understand who needs help right away.