What is the first step in the physical assessment of an unresponsive medical patient?

The first step in the physical assessment of an unresponsive medical patient is to perform the initial assessment. This step is crucial as it allows the emergency responder to quickly establish the patient's baseline condition, identify any immediate life threats, and prioritize care based on the findings. During the initial assessment, vital functions such as airway, breathing, and circulation are evaluated, and if the patient is unresponsive, interventions may be necessary to ensure the airway is clear and effective ventilation is occurring.

In this context, assessing a complete set of vital signs, securing the airway, or obtaining a SAMPLE history are important but occur after the initial assessment. While those actions may follow, starting with the initial assessment ensures that you are addressing the most critical needs of the patient first, allowing for timely and appropriate interventions.