What initial steps should be taken before giving CPR?

Before administering CPR, the initial steps are crucial to ensure both the safety of the rescuer and the effectiveness of the intervention. Ensuring the area is safe means that the rescuer should check for any potential dangers, such as traffic, fire, or other hazards that could pose a risk. This step helps protect the rescuer from injury while they tend to the victim.

Checking for responsiveness involves gently tapping the person and shouting to see if they respond. This assessment helps determine whether the person is conscious or unresponsive. If the person is unresponsive, it signals that immediate action is needed, which may include calling for emergency assistance and starting CPR if the person is not breathing or has no pulse.

Taking these initial steps is critical; setting a safe environment and assessing the situation can significantly influence the outcome of the emergency. The other choices, such as shaking the person, calling for help after starting CPR, or lifting the person to a sitting position, do not address the essential safety and responsiveness checks needed before beginning CPR.