In a primary survey, what is checked first?

• A. Temperature and pupils.
• B. Blood pressure and pulse rate.
• C. Responsiveness and the initial airway, breathing, and circulation status.
• D. Scene safety and exposure of patient

Answer: (C)

During a primary survey, the priority is to quickly identify and treat life-threatening problems. The first step is to check the person’s level of responsiveness to determine how awake or cooperative they are, and then assess the airway, breathing, and circulation. This sequence is what drives immediate actions: if someone isn’t responsive, you may need to open the airway or begin life-saving breaths; if they are responsive, you still rapidly confirm that the airway is clear, that breathing is effective, and that circulation is adequate. These checks catch the most urgent threats—airway obstruction, inadequate ventilation, or poor perfusion—so you can intervene right away. Temperature and pupil size aren’t the focus of the initial survey, and although blood pressure and pulse are important, you begin with the broader airway/breathing/circulation assessment. Scene safety is crucial and should be established before approaching, but the first in the primary survey itself is assessing responsiveness and the initial ABC status.