What is included in the primary assessment of a victim?

The primary assessment of a victim is crucial in emergency situations as it involves a systematic approach to evaluate the victim's condition. This assessment focuses on checking responsiveness, breathing, and circulation. By determining if the victim is responsive, the lifeguard can gauge their level of consciousness and identify any immediate threats to life. Assessing breathing is essential to confirm that the victim can take in air effectively, while evaluating circulation helps ensure that blood is being pumped through the body adequately.

These three components are foundational because they guide the rescuer in making prompt decisions regarding the necessity for further interventions, such as CPR or calling for emergency help. This thorough assessment helps prioritize care for the most critical issues that could lead to death if not addressed immediately.

In contrast, while checking for signs of drowning, assessing the environment for safety, and determining the cause of injury may be relevant in a comprehensive assessment, they are not part of the primary assessment focused on immediate life-threatening conditions. These considerations come into play after ensuring that the victim's airway, breathing, and circulation are stable.