What is the first priority in patient assessment?

Identifying life-threatening conditions is the first priority in patient assessment because it ensures the safety and stability of the patient. In emergency situations, immediate threats to life must be addressed before any other assessments can take place. This involves evaluating the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation—often referred to as the ABCs of patient assessment.

By focusing on life-threatening conditions first, responders can implement urgent interventions such as CPR, control of severe bleeding, or ensuring airway patency. Addressing these critical issues can prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition and is essential to establish a baseline for ongoing care. Once life-threatening conditions are managed, healthcare providers can then proceed to gather medical history, assess pain levels, and examine previous medications, all of which are important but secondary to ensuring immediate safety.