What should you check first when a patient is unconscious?

When dealing with an unconscious patient, the immediate priority is to assess their breathing and circulation. This is based on the fundamental principles of patient assessment, particularly in emergency situations. Checking for breathing ensures that the patient has an adequate airway and is able to ventilate. If breathing is absent or compromised, immediate action is required, such as administering rescue breaths or starting CPR.

Circulation is equally critical, as it relates to the heart's ability to pump blood and deliver oxygen to vital organs. Identifying signs of circulation, such as pulse or skin color, can help determine if a patient is experiencing shock or cardiac arrest, both of which necessitate urgent intervention.

The other options, while important in a more comprehensive assessment, are not the first priority. Assessing blood pressure, level of consciousness, or medical history comes after ensuring that the patient is breathing and has circulation. In emergency care, the primary goal is to stabilize the patient by addressing life-threatening conditions first.