What is the first step in assessing a trauma patient?

The first step in assessing a trauma patient is the primary survey for immediate life threats. This step is crucial because it focuses on identifying any life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention. The primary survey follows the ABCDE approach: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This systematic method ensures that the most critical aspects of the patient's condition are quickly evaluated and addressed, prioritizing the threat to life over other assessments.

Addressing immediate life threats first can significantly improve the patient's chances of survival and positive outcomes, as many trauma cases can involve critical issues such as compromised airways, severe bleeding, or shock. This approach allows the EMT to stabilize the patient before moving on to secondary assessments or interventions.

Other steps like checking for identification, examining vital signs, or taking medical history are important but come after the initial assessment of life threats, as they do not directly address immediate risks to the patient's life.